A lawmaker has announced that approximately 700,000 families who were reinstated in the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will receive their benefits before Christmas. Rep. Michael Romero, the Chairman of the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation and One Patriotic Coalition of Marginalized Individuals (1-Pacman party-list), shared this information during a radio interview. He mentioned that the committee has been working closely with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and has urged LandBank and other conduits of the 4Ps program to prioritize the release of funds.
According to Romero, LandBank has assured that it will only take three days to deposit the funds into the ATM accounts of the 4Ps beneficiaries. He emphasized that the families who were delisted from the program have not yet crossed the line of indigent status and must remain eligible for the 4Ps program.
Romero described this legislative oversight effort as a Christmas gift for their fellow countrymen and expressed hope that the DSWD would expedite the distribution process to make it even more perfect.
While 3.2 million Filipinos have been receiving cash grants, Romero highlighted that around 700,000 families were denied the same benefits after being evaluated by the DSWD as “nonpoor” or for other reasons. In response to this issue, the DSWD stated during a committee hearing that not only would they reinstate the 700,000 delisted families into the 4Ps roll, but they would also receive retroactive payments for the period they were removed from the program.
The Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid, a national organization of 4Ps parent leaders and beneficiaries, commended the efforts of Romero and the other committee members for addressing the concerns of the poor.
This announcement brings hope to the 700,000 families who were unfairly denied the benefits of the 4Ps program. The Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program, also known as the Conditional Cash Transfer program, aims to alleviate poverty by providing financial assistance to low-income families. Through this program, eligible families receive cash grants, which they can use to support their basic needs, such as education, healthcare, and nutrition.
The reinstatement of these families into the 4Ps program not only ensures that they receive the much-needed financial support but also acknowledges that their circumstances have not significantly improved to the point where they no longer require assistance. It is a recognition of the ongoing challenges faced by these families and the importance of providing them with a safety net to help them overcome poverty.
It is heartening to see the collaboration between the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, the DSWD, and other stakeholders to address this issue promptly. By coordinating with LandBank and other conduits of the 4Ps program, the committee has taken steps to expedite the release of funds and ensure that the benefits reach the families before Christmas.
The efforts of Rep. Michael Romero and the other committee members have not gone unnoticed. Their commitment to responding to the concerns of the poor and advocating for the reinstatement of the delisted families is commendable. The Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid’s appreciation for their efforts reflects the positive impact this decision will have on the lives of the affected families.
As we approach the holiday season, this announcement brings a glimmer of hope to those who have been struggling. It serves as a reminder that even in challenging times, there are individuals and organizations working tirelessly to uplift the disadvantaged and ensure that no one is left behind.
By reinstating the 700,000 families into the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program, we are not only providing them with financial support but also reaffirming our commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society. This act of compassion and solidarity is a testament to the values we hold dear as a nation.
As the distribution of benefits takes place before Christmas, let us remember the significance of this gesture. It is not just about financial assistance; it is about restoring hope, dignity, and the belief that better days lie ahead. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of these families and create a brighter future for all.
Source: The Manila Times
