San mateo: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling on Thursday visited a Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) site at the Abuab Tower, Guitnang Bayan II, San Mateo, Rizal to look into the situation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) family beneficiaries.
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian stated that there is an ongoing partnership between DSWD and DHSUD, which provides self-sufficient 4Ps families access to the 4PH program. This initiative aligns with the Marcos administration's goals of ensuring every 4Ps household achieves a comfortable life after exiting the program by providing accessible housing projects.
Gatchalian highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to support 4Ps graduates in their journey from poverty to economic stability, including securing housing. He emphasized the importance of affordable housing in empowering families, enabling them to lead more sustainable lives.
The 4PH program offers affordable housing units to 4Ps households that have attained self-sufficiency and can manage monthly amortization payments. Gatchalian noted that this initiative aims to enhance beneficiaries' sense of responsibility, transforming the program into a pathway to empowerment rather than just assistance.
During the site visit, Gatchalian and Aliling met with 4Ps graduates Nessie Almonte and Aurilia Carbonell. They congratulated them on moving into their new homes and distributed housewarming gifts. Almonte, a solo parent from San Mateo, shared her relief at securing affordable financing for her housing unit through the 4PH, allowing her to pay a lower monthly amortization compared to her previous rental costs.
Assistant Secretaries Marites Maristela and Elaine Fallarcuna from the DSWD's Conditional Cash Transfer Group (CCTG), Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao from the Disaster Response and Management Group (DRMG), DHSUD Undersecretary Eduardo Robles Jr., and San Mateo Mayor Bartolome Rivera Jr. were also present during the visit.
The 4Ps, established in 2008 and institutionalized under Republic Act 11310, is the Philippine government's flagship anti-poverty program, focusing on human capital investment in health, nutrition, and education for children from impoverished households. In contrast, the 4PH is the government's primary housing initiative, designed by DHSUD to offer affordable housing options for low-income and working-class families.
