Manila: Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries utilizing 50 kilowatt-hours (KW) per month will soon be automatically enrolled in the Lifeline Rate program, eliminating the need for them to apply individually once data sharing among select government agencies and policy improvements are finalized.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Lifeline Rate Program currently requires qualified 4Ps beneficiaries to submit application forms to their distribution utility (DU), accompanied by an identification card with a signature and address covered by the DU. However, with the new data sharing agreement involving the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the process will be streamlined. Qualified beneficiaries will not need to apply personally to their DUs unless the electric line account is not in their name, as explained by Energy Secretary Sharon Garin in a recent briefing.

Garin further mentioned that the updated policy is expected to be completed by the end of the week. She emphasized that this change follows a directive from the President to increase the number of 4Ps beneficiaries registered under the lifeline rates.

Earlier, Garin noted that only about 30,000 of the 4.5 million 4Ps beneficiaries were enrolled in the discounted power rate program. She attributed this low enrollment to the inconvenience of the application process, particularly for those residing in remote areas.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. highlighted the importance of this initiative in his fourth State of the Nation Address last July. He announced the inclusion of individuals listed in the DSWD's Listahanan as lifeline rate beneficiaries, aiming to help reduce their expenses.