House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos is seeking the passage of a measure that would significantly increase monthly cash grants for education, health care, and nutrition under the government’s flagship anti-poverty program.
The Ilocos Norte representative confirmed that the Committee on Appropriations is currently finalizing the budgetary requirements for the consolidated Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) bill.
The measure, previously approved by the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation chaired by Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, aims to modernize the program established under Republic Act 11310.
“Passing a consolidated 4Ps bill is important to strengthen support for education, health, and nutrition,” Marcos said. “We want to strengthen social protection for the country’s low-income households.”
Under the proposed amendments, monthly education grants would rise to P500 for elementary pupils, P700 for junior high school students and P900 for senior high school students.
Health grants would see a more dramatic increase, jumping from P750 to P1,800 per month, with an additional P400 for children with disabilities.
The bill also introduces a food and nutrition grant of P1,100 per month and a “First 1,000 Days” grant of P400 for children aged 2 and under to combat malnutrition and stunting.
To move families toward self-sufficiency, the measure adds new requirements for beneficiaries to complete government-accredited livelihood and skills training. It also shortens the program’s assessment cycle from six years to three years to ensure cash grant levels keep pace with economic changes.