4Ps Beneficiaries Should Graduate Based on Need, Not Time
MANILA, Philippines — Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) should only exit the program once they have genuinely overcome poverty, not merely because they have reached the seven-year limit. This need-based approach aims to support families until they attain true self-sufficiency.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently reviewing possible amendments to Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps law, to make the program more responsive after 17 years of implementation. Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao shared these insights during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing on Friday.
Current 4Ps Law and Its Limitations
Under the existing law, families enrolled in 4Ps can receive benefits for up to seven years. After this period, they are automatically removed from the program regardless of their economic condition. Dumlao pointed out that over 1.3 million families are projected to “graduate” from the program next year based solely on this time cap.
However, DSWD officials emphasize that graduation should be based on actual improvements in beneficiaries’ well-being. “Families should exit the program not because they’ve reached seven years, but because they’ve achieved self-sufficiency,” Dumlao said.
Proposed Amendments Focus on Sustainable Graduation
The proposed amendments aim to introduce an “Aftercare program” to support families after they leave 4Ps. This initiative will provide graduating beneficiaries with essential toolkits, livelihood assistance, and skills training to help them maintain their progress.
Currently, the 4Ps program already includes financial literacy, responsible resource management, and family development sessions to prepare families for graduation. The new aftercare efforts will build on these foundations.
“We don’t want families to return to poverty after they exit. That would waste years of investment,” Dumlao added, highlighting the importance of sustained development.
Local leaders and social welfare sources agree that a need-based graduation system will ensure more effective poverty reduction and long-term success for 4Ps beneficiaries.
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