President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday announced that around PhP36 billion originally allocated for Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) flood control projects, will be realigned to support various programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Mga kababayan, ikinalulugod kong ibahagi sa inyo na ang halos 36 na bilyong piso na pondo na galing sa DPWH na nakuha natin mula sa flood control projects, itong halagang ito ay ilalaan natin sa mga programa ng DSWD,” President Marcos said during the “Kumustahan Kasama ang Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya” at Malacañang Palace.
The President said the fund transfer is intended to further strengthen DSWD programs, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 by Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps is the national poverty reduction program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households.
The 4Ps aims to improve the health and nutrition of young children and mothers,
increase the enrollment and school attendance rates, and increase the average food expenditure of low-income households.
President Marcos said the government is studying introducing amendments to the 4Ps Act to appropriately address the needs of beneficiaries.
“Sinisiguro natin na bawat hakbang ay nakabatay sa masusing pagsusuri, upang manatiling matibay at epektibo ang 4Ps para sa lahat ng mga nangangailangan nito,” President Marcos said.
“Batid ko rin ang pangamba ng maraming pamilya na biglang matapos na lang ang suportang hatid ng 4PS nang hindi sila nabibigyan ng sapat na kakayahan,” the President also said.
“Kaya’t pinag-aaralan natin ang pag-aamyenda ng 4Ps Act upang mas matugunan nang wasto ang sitwasyon ng ating mga benepisyaryo.”
The President also said the additional PhP36 billion funds for DSWD will include the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) and the Sustainable Livelihood Program.
The Chief Executive said that by allocating additional funding to the AICS program, more Filipinos will receive assistance for medical emergencies, and purchase of maintenance and other medicines.
President Marcos also said the additional funds will strengthen incentives to support former combatants who are the targeted beneficiaries of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program.
The PAMANA program aims to integrate former combatants from the New People’s Army (NPA), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) into society through infrastructure, livelihood, health, and educational programs in conflict-affected communities. (PND)
