LINGAYEN, Pangasinan (PIA) — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 1 is urging beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to manage their cash assistance wisely while taking advantage of government-initiated livelihood opportunities to uplift their families.
The 4Ps program aims to improve the health and nutrition of children and mothers, promote preventive healthcare, increase enrollment and attendance in child development centers, reduce child labor, and encourage parents to invest in their children’s education through cash assistance.
However, the program has limitations and does not offer lifetime support.
DSWD Field Office 1 Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan said the program only covers children from preschool to senior high school with members aged from zero to 18, hence, maximizing the available opportunities is crucial.
She said the DSWD has Family Development Sessions (FDS), a monthly learning intervention program for the primary grantees of 4Ps households, designed to improve parenting skills, encourage members to become more active and productive citizens, and provide practical skills for establishing sustainable sources of income.
Moreover, the FDS equips 4Ps members with essential financial literacy and management skills, empowering them to make informed decisions about budgeting, saving, and investing for long-term economic stability. This proactive approach helps families develop healthy financial habits, equipping them to navigate challenges and achieve their financial goals for a more stable future.
Gopalan emphasized the importance of using financial support for basic needs to uplift the quality of life for their families.
She urged beneficiaries to prioritize essential needs, such as food, clothing, and education, rather than spending their financial support on non-essential items like entertainment subscriptions and cosmetics that do not contribute to their long-term well-being.
“May this cash assistance serve its purpose correctly and be used to support the children, especially during times when they have no allowance or cannot afford school supplies, or project materials,” Gopalan reminded, as 4Ps beneficiaries face criticism amid reports of some members have misusing the cash assistance for non-essential expenses.
The DSWD stressed that the true value of the financial assistance lies not merely in the funds themselves, but in the potential they have to create lasting change when used wisely.
In addition to monetary assistance, Gopalan also encouraged 4Ps members to actively engage in government-provided livelihood options, such as manicures and pedicures from the FDS, to support their economic well-being and enhance their roles and participation in community development activities.
“The DSWD did not promise to make 4Ps beneficiaries become rich. Instead, the goal is to provide them with a better opportunity to improve their lives by equipping them with the means to support their basic needs,” said Gopalan, adding that the government’s goal is not to increase the number of 4Ps beneficiaries.
To date, Pangasinan has a total of 147,723 active household beneficiaries enrolled in the 4Ps program.
Meanwhile, Marife Orines, 45, a 4Ps beneficiary from Barangay Calupaan in Balungao, believes that despite the program’s limitations, it is crucial for beneficiaries like her to take the initiative to enhance their lives through education.
As a mother of four, with three children currently enrolled in primary and secondary school, she recognizes the importance of prioritizing their education.
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency – Pangasinan, she stated that she intends to make the most of the ₱5,200 to ₱5,700 in financial assistance from the 4Ps program, dedicating the entire amount to her children’s welfare and other expenses related to their schooling.
While the 4Ps program provides vital support for families in need, Orines understands that it is not a permanent solution. For her, education is a crucial element in enhancing well-being and achieving sustainable livelihoods for families.
To enhance her education, she is currently enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS) and anticipates graduating this year.
“Sa mga katulad kong benepisyaryo na hindi pa nakakapagtapos ng pag-aaral, magpatuloy tayo sa ating edukasyon kahit na may edad na tayo, dahil isa ito sa mga paraan upang makahanap tayo ng magandang trabaho sa hinaharap,” she said.
(To those like me who are beneficiaries and have not yet finished their studies, let us continue our education, even if we are older because this is one way for us to find good jobs in the future.)
The DSWD Field Office 1 recognized Orines as the provincial winner of the Natatanging Parent Leader award and first runner-up in the Ilocos region for her outstanding contributions during the 4Ps Partnership Summit 2024, held on Oct. 16 at the Leisure Coast Resort in Dagupan City. (MJTAB/JCDR/KCC/PIA Pangasinan)
