Castilla: Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian thanked the Filipino taxpayers, particularly the middle class, for sustaining the government's poverty program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian said the success of the 4Ps is largely due to taxpayers' contributions, noting that thousands of beneficiaries have completed their college education, with some even becoming topnotchers in licensure examinations. "We hear you, we see you, and we would like to express our gratitude. The success of the 4Ps is evident in the thousands of youth beneficiaries who now have access to a college education," Gatchalian said during a media interview on Thursday at the Set 14 registration of 4Ps beneficiaries in Castilla, Sorsogon.
He emphasized that the program is not meant to foster dependency but to invest in human capital, especially in the education and development of children from low-income families. "The 4Ps program is an investment in human capital, an investment in our people, because we know that as the nation progresses, no one should be left behind," he said.
While in the area, Gatchalian also led the oath-taking for 718 newly registered 4Ps members under Set 14 at the Castilla municipal gymnasium. Under the beneficiaries' oath of commitment, they are required to access preventive maternal and child health services and ensure that their children, aged 3 to 18, are enrolled in school and attend regularly.
The beneficiaries will also regularly attend Family Development Sessions (FDS) to further develop their parenting skills and family values. Among the new beneficiaries, Babylyn Herrera, a 33-year-old mother of four from Castilla, expressed gratitude for being included in the program, saying the assistance would help cover household expenses, particularly for her children's education. Herrera said her husband works as a farmer on an irregular basis, making it difficult to sustain their daily needs. "I pledge to comply with the program's conditions to remain a beneficiary, as 4Ps is a significant support for my family," she said in the vernacular.
Gatchalian reported that around 1.4 million families have already graduated from the program, reflecting improved living conditions among beneficiaries. From 4.4 million households in 2022, the number of active beneficiaries has decreased to about 3 million, which he attributed to the program's positive impact in uplifting families out of poverty. He said the government aims to increase the number of beneficiaries to 3.5 million to accommodate more families in need, while maintaining the program's integrity through strict validation processes.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian clarified that the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program is open to all Filipinos, regardless of economic status. He explained that assistance is available to anyone facing a crisis, including those needing medical or burial aid, and encouraged the public not to hesitate to seek help from DSWD.
