Marikina: The House Ways and Means Committee has approved a legislative bill aimed at expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to encourage beneficiaries to pursue higher education or technical-vocational courses, even in private institutions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marikina 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo, who chairs the panel, described the expansion as part of a broader national effort to enhance social protection, boost economic cooperation, and empower communities. Quimbo emphasized that by investing in education, health, and community-based economic institutions, the initiative seeks to strengthen the country's human capital, enabling Filipinos to contribute to national development.

A significant amendment in the proposed measure includes the establishment of a 4Ps support program for tertiary education and employment. This initiative aims to motivate children from beneficiary families to pursue post-secondary education, providing them access to private higher education and technical-vocational institutions.

Quimbo highlighted that the discussions focus on ensuring fiscal policies support these investments, aiming for programs that uplift lives, expand opportunities, and prepare future-ready generations to make a lasting impact on many Filipinos.

House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos also supports the measure, stating that the proposed changes will further enhance social protection for low-income families and assist poor households with tuition, fees, and other school-related expenses.