While poor Filipino children hold ambitious career aspirations, participation in the government’s flagship conditional cash transfer program does not significantly influence the types of jobs they hope to pursue, according to state-run policy think tank Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

A PIDS discussion paper titled “Dreams and Small Means: Career Aspirations of Children in the Philippine 4Ps Program” published Monday, Feb. 23, examined whether beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) develop higher or different career aspirations compared with non-beneficiaries.

Using data covering nearly 10,000 individuals aged 10 to 25, researchers Kris Ann M. Melad, Michael R. M. Abrigo, Douglas Kurt Gregor C. Diola, and Centene V. Pablo, found that children from low-income households—regardless of program participation—already aspire largely to professional and service-sector occupations, indicating strong expectations of upward mobility.

However, statistical analysis showed that being a 4Ps beneficiary had no significant causal effect on occupational aspirations, expected earnings from desired jobs, or the likelihood of aiming for professional careers.

The study employed a regression discontinuity design comparing households just above and below the eligibility cutoff for the program, allowing researchers to isolate the impact of cash transfers.

Instead of financial assistance, the study identified parental expectations as the strongest factor shaping children’s career goals.

Children whose parents expected them to enter professional occupations were significantly more likely to express similar aspirations, with the effect exceeding those of income level, education variables, or participation in government programs.

The authors also noted gender differences, with boys less likely than girls to aspire to professional or service-oriented careers. Personal traits such as grit and literacy showed only modest influence compared with family expectations.

The findings add context to earlier studies showing that 4Ps—implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)—improves school attendance, enrollment, and education-related spending among poor households.

Despite these gains, the researchers said improvements in schooling outcomes do not automatically translate into broader career ambitions.

“Cash transfers alone may be insufficient to reshape aspirations,” the authors said, noting that career expectations appear to form early and remain relatively stable over time.

The paper recommends complementing income support programs with interventions designed to expand young people’s awareness of career opportunities.

Among the proposed measures are enhanced career guidance, exposure to professional role models, improved access to labor market information, and strengthened youth development sessions under existing programs.

The researchers also emphasized involving parents in interventions, citing their strong influence on children’s outlook and decision-making.

According to the authors, policies aimed at breaking intergenerational poverty should address not only financial constraints but also informational and psychological barriers that shape how children view future opportunities.

While poor Filipino youth already aspire to higher-paying professions, the study suggests that translating those ambitions into actual economic mobility may require programs that go beyond cash assistance and actively support career formation and planning.