For the additional funding of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a vital initiative designed to help reduce poverty and support low-income families across the Philippines, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman approved the release of P5 billion to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Makakatulong po ito para maibsan ang epekto ng inflation sa ating mga kababayan. The DBM will do its part to streamline budget processes so that our citizens benefit from faster and more efficient delivery of essential services such as our 4Ps,” Secretary Mina expressed.
The approved funds, which will be sourced from the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Continuing Appropriations (Republic Act No. 11936), will be used to cover the FY 2023 4Ps grants in arrears resulting to the deactivation/suspension of 4Ps beneficiaries to around 703,888 households.
Secretary Pangandaman emphasized the significance of this approval, stating, "Through this allocation, the DSWD can continue its critical work without interruption, providing much-needed assistance to our most vulnerable citizens."
In his third State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reported that over 420,000 households have graduated from the 4Ps or been assessed as self-sufficient since his previous SONA.
“With a noble aim of breaking the cycle of poverty across the country, the 4Ps has not only consistently accomplished its annual target, it has also proven its efficacy over the years,” said the President.
A cornerstone of the Philippine government's social protection strategy, 4Ps offers conditional cash transfers to poor households to improve health, nutrition, and education outcomes.
Additional funding will strengthen these efforts, allowing the initiative to sustain operations and reach even more families.
The 4Ps also aligns with the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, which envisions a future where every Filipino in need receives the support they deserve.
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