4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino “Nonoy” Libanan (Facebook)

House Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan is pushing the Senate to support the proposed bigger funding allocations for the government’s cash aid programs in the proposed 2025 national budget.

Specifically, Libanan cited the proposed P114 billion for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and P39 billion for the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).

These allocations are included in House Bill (HB) No. 10800, or the approved House of Representatives’ version of the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA).

“Both programs are crucial in advancing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s strategic priorities by providing targeted cash subsidies to help protect vulnerable households from global price increases,” said Libanan.

The veteran lawmaker says there is “ample evidence” that the government’s ayuda (aid) programs are cost-effective in “improving the lives of disadvantaged families and raising consumption levels”.

Libanan’s call to the Senate comes at a time when the upper chamber’s Committee on Finance recommended the deletion of the AKAP in the proposed budget for next year.

Senator Imee Marcos, in particular, argued that the program was not a priority of the administration of her brother, President Marcos.

“We beg to disagree. The President clearly supports the AKAP,” said Libanan.

He pointed out that Marcos signed the 2024 GAA, which allocated P26.7 billion for this year’s AKAP funding.

The AKAP, the budget of which is under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), provides cash assistance to minimum wage earners amid the effects of rising inflation.

Meanwhile, the House’s proposed funding for 4Ps is an increase from this year’s P106.3 billion.

Currently, the 4Ps provides cash grants to nearly 4.4 million households. This is on the condition that parents attend family development sessions, ensure their children receive regular health check-ups, and keep them enrolled in school.

According to Libanan, the allocation for next year’s 4Ps would also cover additional cash assistance for pregnant women until the child turns two years old.

“The 4Ps cash grants have alleviated poverty, increased school participation, reduced child labor, and improved access to health and nutrition services for mothers and children,” he explained.