Manila: The latest Ulat ng Bayan survey conducted by Pulse Asia reveals that a significant majority of Filipino adults favor the continuation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), an anti-poverty initiative managed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
According to Philippines News Agency, the survey conducted from September 27 to 30 indicates that 85 percent of Filipinos believe the 4Ps program should persist under government management. The survey involved 1,200 respondents, divided equally among the four major geographical areas: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the National Capital Region, with 300 respondents each.
DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao expressed satisfaction with the survey results, stating, "We at DSWD are very happy because of the survey result. It clearly showed that Filipinos highly trust the 4Ps, and they can see its positive impacts on the family-beneficiaries. We also thank Pulse Asia for undertaking this survey and initiating public inquiry about our program."
The survey results showed overwhelming support for the 4Ps across all geographical areas, with 81 percent in the National Capital Region, 83 percent in Balance Luzon, 85 percent in the Visayas, and 91 percent in Mindanao. In terms of socioeconomic classes, the support was 72 percent for class ABC, 87 percent for class D, and 93 percent for class E, the primary target of the 4Ps program.
Dumlao noted that the survey underscores the program's strong nationwide support across all socioeconomic classes. She emphasized that the consistent survey responses suggest that many Filipino families recognize the value of the assistance provided through 4Ps, particularly in ensuring educational continuity for children and promoting health through regular health center visits.
The survey results align with DSWD's ongoing efforts to strengthen the 4Ps implementation, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive during his State of the Nation Address in July. Dumlao assured the public that the 4Ps' National Program Management Office (NPMO) is committed to ensuring the program remains relevant and effectively assists poor families in overcoming poverty.
