4Ps Law Amendment Extends Benefits Beyond Seven Years
MANILA, Philippines — The recent amendment to the law governing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will enable beneficiaries to remain in the program for more than seven years, local officials said. This extension aims to provide longer support to families in need, ensuring improved living conditions beyond the previous time limit.
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian explained during a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) briefing that this change removes the seven-year cap, allowing beneficiaries who are not yet ready to exit to continue receiving assistance.
President Marcos’ Call to Amend 4Ps Law
President Marcos emphasized in his fourth SONA the necessity to amend the 4Ps law, so beneficiaries have sufficient time to uplift their living standards. “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,” Gatchalian quoted.
This means that families currently on the program who still require support will not be forced to exit simply due to the time limit. The amendment reflects a compassionate approach to social welfare, accommodating the ongoing challenges faced by low-income households.
Understanding the 4Ps Program and Its Impact
Republic Act No. 11310, which institutionalized the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, defines it as a human capital investment that provides conditional cash transfers to poor households for up to seven years. However, the recent amendment revises this duration to better suit beneficiaries’ needs.
Secretary Gatchalian noted that although 1.4 million families graduated from the program over the last three years, about 2 million families could be forced to leave next year due to the previous seven-year limit despite still needing assistance.
Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic and recent inflation have worsened the living conditions of many beneficiaries, making continued support crucial. “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 said.
Local Government Role in Strengthening 4Ps
President Marcos also urged local government units to actively identify and enroll families eligible for the 4Ps program. This partnership between national and local agencies is vital to reach more vulnerable households and maximize the program’s impact.
With the amendment, the government hopes to sustain its investment in human capital by allowing beneficiaries to receive assistance until they achieve stable and improved living conditions, rather than imposing a rigid time frame.
For more news and updates on Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, visit Filipinokami.com.
