Manila: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) emphasized the Marcos administration's whole-of-nation approach in addressing the long-term needs of vulnerable groups, particularly members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
According to Philippines News Agency, this strategy, articulated by DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumalo, encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve sustainable development. Dumalo stressed that while the DSWD provides direct support, partnerships with private entities and government agencies are crucial in helping 4Ps grantees attain self-sufficiency. The goal is to equip beneficiaries with the necessary knowledge, skills, and tools to thrive in a technology-driven society.
Dumalo highlighted that the DSWD's capacity to address the needs of poor, vulnerable, and marginalized sectors is limited. Therefore, partnerships with private entities and other agencies are welcomed to help 4Ps grantees access additional programs and services, ultimately aiming for self-sufficiency. Among recent initiatives is a partnership with Globe Telecom and G-Xchange, Inc. (GXI), the operator of GCash, which donated smartphones to 4Ps grantees to enable access to the country's digital financial system.
Furthermore, Dumalo mentioned the compulsory family development sessions (FDS) for grantees, which is a conditionality promoting holistic development and social awareness. These sessions aim to reduce disparities in access to crucial information, helping beneficiaries acquire life skills such as active citizenship, disaster preparedness, responsible budgeting, savings, and digital financial literacy.
The 4Ps links its beneficiaries with other government agencies and institutions to provide access to various services like housing, scholarships for higher education, social insurance, and livelihood opportunities. Meanwhile, the DSWD, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and other key agencies, organized the Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas job fair to assist 4Ps beneficiaries graduating from the program in securing employment and other pre-employment services.
The Trabaho sa Bagong Pilipinas job fair is part of the whole-of-government initiative of the Marcos administration, ensuring that exiting 4Ps members achieve long-term self-sufficiency. The DSWD anticipates around 2 million beneficiaries will exit the program by 2026. Other government agencies providing services at the job fair include the National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Internal Revenue, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG Fund, Social Security System, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and Philippine Statistics Authority.
The 4Ps serves as the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program of the Philippine government, spearheaded by the DSWD. Eligible household beneficiaries receive cash subsidies contingent on adherence to conditions related to health, nutrition, and education.
