DSWD: Extend 4Ps to help beneficiaries adapt

During a Post-SONA discussion on Tuesday, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian announced that amendments to the 4Ps program would allow beneficiaries to remain in the program as long as needed.

Gatchalian highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s intention to amend Republic Act 11310 to prevent two million Filipinos from exiting the program in 2026 due to reaching the current seven-year limit.

The DSWD chief emphasized that factors such as the pandemic and inflation have eroded the purchasing power of beneficiaries, making it difficult for them to adapt to economic shocks.

Gatchalian stressed that extending the program duration would ensure that beneficiaries are not prematurely forced out, potentially wasting previous investments in their development.

He noted that 1.4 million Filipinos have already graduated from the 4Ps program since its inception in 2022, underscoring the need for careful consideration of each family's circumstances.