Lawmakers question 4Ps effectiveness

DESPITE THE huge amount allocated for the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), lawmakers said it has yet to achieve the objective of alleviating poverty among indigent households.

A man dives into a garbage bin. Lawmakers have questioned the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, saying it has failed to uplift the living condition of the poor. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is now seeking an evaluation of the effectiveness of the 4Ps, noting that under Republic Act No. 11310 or the 4Ps Act, the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) is mandated to conduct an impact evaluation every three years to assess the implementation of the program.

The program is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and its data submitted to the Senate panel, however, showed that despite the some P900 billion shelled out for the 4Ps since 2007, only 97,000 beneficiaries “graduated” from poverty.

DSWD Sec. Erwin Tulfo said the impact evaluations previously conducted by the PIDS found gains in the rollout of the 4Ps which include, among others, increased school enrolment and attendance among children of household-beneficiaries to comply with the conditions of the program.

A boy accompanies an old woman who is begging for alms in this undated photo. Lawmakers have questioned the government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, saying it has failed to uplift the living condition of the poor. (Photo by Al Jacinto)

But Gathalian said despite the effectiveness of participation rates of students, the challenge of breaking intergenerational poverty is not happening. “Despite the students going to school, they're still poor," Gatchalian said.

Gathalian said he will call for another hearing on the 4Ps, adding the PIDS impact assessment will give lawmakers a complete view on the program. “That needs to be analyzed deeply, why inter-generational poverty is not breaking,” he said.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito also suggested a review of the 4Ps during a recent hearing on the proposed P194.63 billion DSWD budget for next year.

Ejercito wanted to have an honest assessment on how effective the program is as a strategy in alleviating poverty in the country during the past several years. “Of course, we must help our fellow Filipinos, especially the poorest of the poor but it seems that we are encouraging a culture of mendicancy,” he said, adding that the government should have an exit mechanism for 4Ps recipients.  

Tulfo has vowed to execute a program evaluation along with the DSWD’s sustainable livelihood program and exit mechanism for graduating 4Ps beneficiaries. (Bibo Nueva España, Mindanao Examiner)