As part of the ongoing initiative to make government services more accessible to Filipinos, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officially kicked off the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Basco, Batanes on Monday, April 15.
National Household Targeting System and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (NHTS-4Ps) Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela said Batanes is fortunate to have the lowest poverty incidence rate based on the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data for 2022.
However, despite this positive news, the province still faces significant socio-economic challenges, including inflation, with 562 households identified as poor in the DSWD’s “Listahanan 3,” she said.
“With this and upon the request of Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco to conduct an assessment and registration of the households in the 4Ps, the DSWD looked into this possibility as it would also mean another opportunity to reach the poor, marginalized and disadvantaged sector—much more, to reach the province of Batanes despite its remoteness and geographic isolation,” Maristela said in her keynote speech.
DSWD said 297 households were identified as 4Ps beneficiaries in the province.
“By providing cash grants to eligible families, the program aims to alleviate their financial burdens and empower them to invest in their future, particularly in the areas of health and education,” Maristela said.
DSWD distributed cash cards to 91 household-beneficiaries in Itbayat town on April 13, while the remaining beneficiaries from other municipalities received them on April 15 and 16.
The 4Ps is the Philippine government’s flagship poverty alleviation program, which improves Filipinos’ lives by investing in children’s education, nutrition, and health.