The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced major enhancements to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) following the approval by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) of its enhanced organizational structure and 5,703 plantilla positions.

“The approval of the enhanced organizational structure marks a defining moment in the continuing institutionalization of the 4Ps,” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said.

“By establishing the 4Ps Bureau, strengthening our regional presence, and creating plantilla positions across the organization, we are building a stronger institution that will enable us to deliver more responsive, efficient, and sustainable social protection services to Filipino families,” he added.

The agency said the enhanced organizational structure includes the establishment of the 4Ps Bureau, the creation of dedicated 4Ps divisions in all DSWD field offices — including the newly established Negros Island Region (NIR) — and the approval of plantilla positions that will strengthen program management and service delivery nationwide.

Under the approved structure, 5,627 plantilla positions were created across DSWD field offices nationwide. These include 5,172 City and Municipal Link positions, 83 Provincial Link positions, 83 Social Welfare Officer III positions, 17 Division Chief positions, 617 Assistant Division Chief positions, and various technical, financial, administrative, and program support positions.

Meanwhile, 76 plantilla positions were approved at the DSWD Central Office to support the operations of the newly created 4Ps Bureau and its functional divisions.

Gatchalian emphasized that the approved organizational structure is an investment in personnel who have dedicated years of service to implementing the program nationwide.

“These organizational reforms recognize the vital role of our personnel and provide a stronger institutional foundation for the program’s future,” he said.

“As implementation moves forward, the filling of approved plantilla positions, including the regularization of qualified personnel, shall be undertaken in accordance with Civil Service Commission, Department of Budget and Management, and DSWD policies to ensure transparency, fairness, and merit-based appointments,” the secretary added.