Dear Editor,

The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) recent announcement it has admitted 400,000 more families into the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is a welcome development as the expansion has the potential to uplift countless Filipinos mired in poverty, providing them with a much-needed safety net.

However, it is crucial to examine this initiative critically to ensure its effectiveness in achieving its goals.

The 4Ps program — launched in 2007 — provides conditional cash transfers to impoverished families. Beneficiaries receive financial aid contingent upon fulfilling specific requirements, such as ensuring that children attend school and receive regular health checkups.

This approach aims to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty by investing in education and healthcare, fostering a healthier and more educated citizenry.

The inclusion of more families is a testament to the program’s perceived success. The DSWD’s allocation of P112.8 billion for 4Ps in 2024, a significant increase from the previous year, reflects the government’s commitment to social protection and this financial investment can empower families to meet their basic needs, improve their well-being, and create opportunities for a brighter future.

However, challenges remain. Effectively managing a program of this scale necessitates a robust validation process to ensure the aid reaches the truly deserving. The DSWD’s efforts to validate over a million potential households are commendable.

But concerns linger regarding proper identification and the possibility of ineligible families entering the program. Stringent verification measures are essential to prevent misuse of funds and ensure the program’s sustainability.

Furthermore, the 4Ps program’s effectiveness hinges on its conditionalities. Regular monitoring is required to ensure compliance with health and education requirements. Investment in healthcare infrastructure and educational resources in impoverished communities is crucial to enable families to fulfill these conditions.

Without such support, the program risks becoming a mere cash handout, with limited long-term impact.

The 4Ps program should be viewed as a stepping stone, not a permanent solution. It should be coupled with initiatives that promote economic empowerment. Programs that equip beneficiaries with skills and knowledge to secure better employment can lead to self-sufficiency and graduation from the program in the long run.

Seen as a positive step towards poverty alleviation in the Philippines, the 4Ps success hinges on its efficient administration, robust validation processes, and a focus on long-term economic empowerment.

By addressing these challenges, the program can fulfill its true potential as a transformative tool for building a more inclusive and prosperous Philippines.

Danilo Mison

gilasmison@gmail.com