DSWD stresses commitment to enhance 4Ps program, human capital investment amid rising self-rated poverty
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reiterated on Friday, July 19th, its commitment to enhance the lives and welfare of every Filipino through investments in human capital, in response to the latest survey results from the Social Weather Stations (SWS), which showed a 12-percentage point increase in self-rated poverty in the second quarter of 2024.
READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/18/self-rated-poor-increases-in-q2-2024-sws
“Secretary Rex Gatchalian always says ending poverty will not happen overnight. We, in the department, believe that investing in human capital is one of the keys to improving the productivity of one’s self, helping them to become a productive member of society that can be translated into improvements in living standards,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said in a statement.
Dumlao reiterated that DSWD is continuously improving the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the agency's flagship poverty alleviation initiative.
Gatchalian earlier announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has approved two additional enhancements for 4Ps to safeguard beneficiaries from inflation and mitigate malnutrition and stunting among children.
“The DSWD is starting to revisit the policy of the 4Ps to add inflation proofing. Since the law was enacted in 2019, the cash grant that beneficiaries receive is still the same. With this, we can protect our beneficiaries from the rising inflation,” Dumlao said.
The agency will also introduce the “First 1000-day grant,” to provide supplementary cash grants to pregnant and nursing beneficiaries to further improve their children's health and nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days.
“Aside from these enhancements, we are partnering with different agencies to ensure the financial security and sustainability of our 4Ps beneficiaries as they graduate and transition out of the program,” Dumlao said.
Earlier this month, DSWD signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the state-run Social Security System (SSS) to formalize the provision of low-cost social insurance for 4Ps beneficiaries who may become SSS pensioners.
As part of DSWD’s commitment to President Marcos’ digital transformation agenda, the agency partnered with private agencies, including online payment portals, to digitize the payout systems of 4Ps and other programs.
Dumlao explained that children monitored under 4Ps are excelling in their studies, with some becoming licensed professionals, such as teachers, engineers, and midwives, among others.
“There are also topnotchers in board examinations. These accomplishments highlight the positive impact of the 4Ps on the educational attainment of its beneficiaries. They are solid evidence that DSWD’s 4Ps is a valuable tool in effectively investing in human capital,” she said.