The Philippine government under the Department of Social Welfare and Development implements the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This is one of the interventions that aid in reducing poverty in the country.
The beneficiaries are selected through the National Household Targeting System, also known as Listahanan, a system that collects data and categorizes poor households. The listing is validated by the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) staff of a town. Those who want to be eligible for the said program need to secure a Certificate of Indigency certified by the Punong Barangay as proof.
This program was launched in 2008 and was institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act 11310. It provides eligible beneficiaries aid for a maximum period of seven (7) years to improve their health, nutrition, and education.
Households under the program must adhere to conditions. Here are some of the conditions.
- Their children between 3-18 years old must be enrolled in school; daycare or preschool, elementary and high school and must have 85% class attendance rate in a school year. Elementary and high school children must also be dewormed twice a year.
- Children 0-5 years old must be fully immunized and monthly weighed (for 0-23 months old) or bimonthly weighed (for 24-72 months old);
- Pregnant women must avail of pre-and post-natal health check-up; and child delivery should be attended by a professional healthcare provider.
- Parent beneficiaries must attend Family Development Sessions (FDS).
The cash grants beneficiaries can get from the program are as follows:
- Health Grant of ₱750.00 per month for each household.
- Education Grant of ₱300.00 per child in elementary, ₱500.00 per child in junior high school, and ₱700.00 per child in senior high school, with a maximum of three (3) children per household, attending classes 10 months per school year.
- Rice Subsidy of ₱600.00 per month for active and compliant households.
Cash grants are computed according to compliance with said conditions and are released every two (2) months.
As of now, there are 6,924 active 4ps beneficiaries, 24,640 enrolled children in Apayao, 3,030 children ages 0-5 having regular health check-ups, and 84 pregnant women monitored in pre-natal check-ups to postnatal care.
From December- January this year, a total of ₱24 million was given to the beneficiaries of this initiative in Apayao alone.
4Ps and their stories
Some of the parent groups of 4Ps initiated projects such as the Construction of a Footpath along Baliwanan Elementary School of Kabugao and the Construction of a Footpath to the signal area to help the students and residents of Karagawan, Apayao to access internet and signal.
There are stories and initiatives of the 4Ps members like helping maintain cleanliness in their communities by making stick brooms, recyclable garbage disposals, plants holders and many more. These are some of the good deeds of the 4ps beneficiaries of Apayao.
Many beneficiaries also completed their tertiary level and succeeded in passing their board examinations.
Michelle Anne A. Bermillo, social worker for 4Ps of SWAD APAYAO, in an interview, said she hopes the grantees stand tall and believe in their ability to break the cycle of poverty. “Through hard work and perseverance, they will achieve success and create a brighter future for their family,” she said, adding that “We are here to guide and support you every step of the way. Soon, you will proudly say “nakatawid na sa 4ps” and celebrate your achievements. Your success is also our success.” By Loremia Pareja
