Northern samar: A lawmaker in Northern Samar is pushing for livelihood or skills training for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to help them escape poverty. House Bill 604, introduced by Northern Samar 2nd District Rep. Edwin Ongchuan, proposes critical amendments to Republic Act (RA) 11310 or the 4Ps Act, with an added focus on livelihood and self-reliance.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ongchuan stated that while 4Ps has long provided crucial financial assistance to poor families to support children's education, health, and nutrition, the proposed bill introduces a new dimension: the integration of skills development and livelihood training. Under this measure, household beneficiaries will not only receive cash grants but also be required to complete at least two accredited livelihood or skills training programs offered by government agencies.
These agencies include the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and various departments such as trade and industry; labor and employment; science and technology; agriculture, and social welfare and development. 'This proposal signals a shift toward a more holistic, long-term approach to poverty alleviation. Rather than relying solely on monthly support, families will be given the opportunity to learn marketable skills, start small enterprises, or qualify for employment, paving the way for self-sufficiency and financial independence. The inclusion of livelihood as a conditional requirement reflects a deepening of the program's purpose to not just assist, but to empower as well,' Ongchuan said.
Aside from this new requirement, the bill also raises the baseline amounts for educational and health grants to adjust for inflation and increasing costs of living. 'These provisions ensure that support remains relevant to the actual needs of the beneficiaries while incentivizing continued participation in the program,' he added.
Also known as the conditional cash transfer program, 4Ps provides cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health, nutrition, and education, particularly for children aged 0 to 18. The program invests in human capital to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty among poor households. Under the 4Ps, beneficiaries with grade school children receive PHP300 per month, high school children receive PHP500 a month, and those in senior high school receive a monthly stipend of PHP700. On top of the monthly allowances for children going to school, 4Ps also provides PHP500 monthly assistance to beneficiaries for the medical needs of their children.
