Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian delivered ”good news” to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) during the kick-off celebration of the fifth anniversary of the program’s institutionalization on Tuesday, June 25.
Speaking at the kick-off event held at the DSWD Central Office, Gatchalian announced the two significant program enhancements approved by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
He said the enhancements include measures to “inflation-proof” the grants, ensuring their value remains stable amid economic fluctuations.
The DSWD earlier said it has been working with the National Economic Development Authority and the Philippine Statistics Authority to determine the right amount to mitigate the impact of inflationary spikes on 4Ps grants.
Gatchalian also announced the “First 1,000 Days” initiative, which targets pregnant and nursing women, as well as children up to two years old, aiming to combat stunting and malnutrition.
The DSWD said active 4Ps households with pregnant and lactating women may receive an additional cash grant of P400.
Under the theme "5ingko: Kwento at Larawan ng Pangarap, Pagtataya, Pagbabago, at Pagtataguyod ng Pamilyang Pilipino," the celebration highlighted the program's transformative impact and the collaborative efforts of stakeholders.
Gatchalian commended the 4Ps National Program Management Office for its continuous improvement efforts, including the transition to digital financial literacy initiatives aimed at empowering program participants.
The kick-off event featured the “Pantawid Pamilya Memory Lane: Limang Mukha ng Pantawid Pamilya,” a photo exhibit showcasing the program's evolution and success stories of beneficiaries.
Established in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 through Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps remains pivotal in the Philippines' poverty reduction strategy, providing conditional cash transfers to disadvantaged households to enhance child health, nutrition, and education over a maximum period of seven years.