113 local execs back anti-poverty program

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said at least 113 local government officials and legislators have pledged their support to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), an anti-poverty program of the Arroyo administration.

DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral said 76 mayors, 18 congressmen, and 19 governors from different provinces are supporting President Arroyo’s 4Ps flagship program.

Just recently, they gave a copy of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on the implementation of the 4Ps in Sarangani province to Mrs. Arroyo.

Present in the ceremony were Sarangani Gov. Miguel Rene Dominguez and Mayor Aida Singcoy of Malapatan town.

“The signing of the MOA indicates the commitment of the LGUs to provide and deliver health and education services to enable the 4Ps beneficiaries to comply with the conditions of the program. With the signing of the MOA, the 4Ps is now fully implemented in 26 provinces and 12 cities nationwide,” the DSWD said in a statement.

The program aims to reduce poverty through investment in human capital.

A household-beneficiary can receive as much as P1,400 for a maximum of three children that includes P500 per month for nutrition and health expenses and P300 per month per child for educational expenses.

Household-beneficiaries must comply with certain conditions to continue receiving the cash grants.

To qualify as beneficiaries, parents must ensure that their children attend school at least 85 percent of the time, and receive vaccinations and health care. Pregnant women must receive pre- and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by a skilled health professional.

Parents must also attend responsible parenthood seminars, mother’s classes, and parent effectiveness seminars.

To date, a total of 511,207 households were surveyed in 162 municipalities in 23 provinces and six cities, wherein 244,057 were identified as potential beneficiaries using the “proxy means test.”

The list of potential beneficiaries was downloaded to the regional offices for validation through community assemblies.

At least 203,587 household-beneficiaries have received cash assistance amounting to more than P357 million since January this year.

The target of 321,000 household-beneficiaries of 4Ps will receive cash assistance by next month.