4Ps Beneficiaries Allowed Longer Stay Under New Law
MANILA, Philippines — The government will amend the law governing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), enabling beneficiaries to remain in the program for more than seven years, local leaders said. This change aims to improve the living conditions of families without being limited by the current seven-year cap.
During a recent Post-Sona forum, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian explained that the amendment will allow families who are not yet ready to leave 4Ps to continue receiving support. “Dahil sa panawagan ng pangulo, hindi na nila kailangan mangamba dahil aamyendahan ’yung batas sa tulong ng Kongreso at Senado para yung mga di pa ready umalis sa programa ay manatili muna,” he added.
President Marcos Calls for Law Amendment
President Marcos announced in his fourth State of the Nation Address that the 4Ps law should be amended to provide sufficient time to lift beneficiaries out of poverty. This move reflects the administration’s commitment to ensuring that vulnerable families receive adequate assistance until they can sustain themselves.
The current law, Republic Act No. 11310, defines 4Ps as a conditional cash transfer program capped at seven years per family. However, many families face challenges that require longer support, especially after setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and rising inflation.
Addressing Challenges of Forced Graduation
Secretary Gatchalian noted that while 1.4 million Filipino families graduated from the program in the last three years, approximately 2 million families will be forced to exit next year due to the seven-year limit, regardless of their actual situation. He stressed that many beneficiaries’ living conditions have worsened due to the pandemic and economic pressures.
“Itong programa na to ang namumuhunan tayo sa taumbayan, this is an investment in human capital. Hindi pa tapos yung ating pamumuhunan, kailangan nating siguraduhin na hindi masayang yung investment natin,” Gatchalian emphasized, reminding everyone that the program represents a vital investment in the nation’s future.
Local Government Units Urged to Find Beneficiaries
In line with these developments, President Marcos encouraged local government units to actively identify and support families eligible for 4Ps. This directive aims to ensure that the program reaches those who truly need assistance and continues to foster human capital development across the country.
For more news and updates on Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program amendments, visit Filipinokami.com.
