Caritas Philippines on Wednesday, Sept. 6, expressed its full support for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), which enjoyed “high” support from Filipinos.
Based on a new survey by Oculum Research and Analytics, 4Ps emerged as the national program that has the highest level of public support with a 91 percent rating.
"We are glad that the public recognizes the importance of the 4Ps," Caritas Philippines president Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo said.
However, the bishop emphasized that it is necessary to guarantee that the program is executed in a manner that is both fair and sustainable.
It is necessary to ensure that the people who are the “most marginalized and the poorest are given priority.”
“This should not be used to advance political interest, especially at the local level," he added.
The 4Ps program, one of the initiatives of the national government, aims to provide conditional cash grants to the most economically disadvantaged families. Its primary objectives are to enhance the health, nutrition, and education of children.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian organization also supports climate action as they are also working to raise awareness about the climate crisis and its impact on the poor.
"Climate change is a real threat to the Philippines, We need to take urgent action to address this crisis, and we need to ensure that the most vulnerable are protected," Bagaforo underscored.
Furthermore, the organization highlighted the public's negative stance towards mining and other extractive industries as a clear indication of awareness regarding the environmental and social costs associated with these activities.
"The Philippine Catholic Church has committed to divest from fossil fuels by 2025, and we urge other organizations and institutions to do the same. We need to move away from these destructive industries and invest in sustainable development, for the sake of our common home," he added.