Quezon city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is backing a legislative bill proposed by Palaguin ang Pangkabuhayang Pilipino Party-list Representative JC Abalos, aimed at prioritizing tertiary education and employment for the program’s beneficiaries.
According to Philippines News Agency, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian met with Congressman Abalos to discuss legislative support for the conditional cash transfer program. Among the key proposals discussed was House Bill 01040, known as the ‘4Ps Support to Tertiary Education and Employment Program (4Ps STEEP).’ This bill seeks to reserve 10 percent of the slots in every state college for 4Ps beneficiaries, ensuring that educational support extends from elementary to college, which is seen as a crucial step in breaking the cycle of poverty.
4Ps National Program Manager Director Gemma Gabuya highlighted the importance of the bill, noting that while the current 4Ps support extends only up to senior high school, there is a need to ensure continuity into tertiary education to truly uplift households from poverty. She emphasized that the bill complements existing conditional cash transfer grants and prioritizes the ongoing education of children monitored under the 4Ps.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao shared that the department is engaging in discussions with legislators to make 4Ps more effective in promoting self-sufficiency among poor families. She mentioned that program enhancements were part of discussions between Gatchalian and Senator Erwin Tulfo in a meeting held on July 31.
Dumlao acknowledged that after 17 years, the 4Ps program requires updates and enhancements. The department remains open to dialogue with both the House of Representatives and the Senate to introduce necessary amendments, ensuring the program’s objectives are met.
The 4Ps serves as a national strategy for poverty reduction and human capital investment, offering conditional cash transfers to improve the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0-18. Over 4 million households benefit from this initiative, and the DSWD is committed to maintaining its responsiveness to beneficiaries’ needs.
