The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is taking a proactive stance to protect beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) from falling prey to loan sharks and unregulated lending schemes. The national management office of the 4Ps program has urged all recipients to steer clear of dealing with loan sharks or pawning their cash cards.
Loan sharks are notorious for providing loans at exorbitant interest rates and imposing strict collection terms that often operate outside the boundaries of the law. Pawning cash cards, on the other hand, involves using the card as collateral for a loan, with the lender withdrawing money from each paycheck until the entire amount is repaid. These practices are not only financially risky but also against the rules of the 4Ps program.
Gemma Gabuya, the program manager, emphasized the importance of adhering to program guidelines and being model citizens. During family development sessions, spot checks are conducted to ensure that beneficiaries are not engaging in the pawning of their cash cards. Gabuya warned that beneficiaries who violate this rule may face delisting from the program.
“It is crucial to take care of the government’s resources, and as beneficiaries, you should be the ones who exemplify the values and principles of the 4Ps program,” Gabuya emphasized.
Recognizing the need for stronger measures to tackle this issue, the 4Ps National Program Management Office has recommended amending Republic Act 11310, also known as the 4Ps Law. These proposed amendments aim to include provisions that specifically address the sanctioning of loan sharks and the practice of pawning cash cards.
The 4Ps program, as the Philippine government’s national poverty reduction plan and human capital investment program, plays a vital role in promoting the well-being of vulnerable families. It offers conditional cash transfers to support the health, nutrition, and education of children aged 0 to 18. By ensuring that beneficiaries are not involved in illegal lending activities, the program can continue to make a positive impact on poverty alleviation.
It is important for 4Ps beneficiaries to understand the risks associated with dealing with loan sharks and pawning their cash cards. By avoiding these practices, they not only protect themselves from financial exploitation but also contribute to the integrity and effectiveness of the 4Ps program. It is a collective responsibility to safeguard the resources of the government and ensure that they are utilized for the betterment of the intended recipients.
In conclusion, the DSWD’s warning against dealing with loan sharks and pawning cash cards serves as a reminder to 4Ps beneficiaries to remain vigilant and follow program guidelines. By doing so, they can continue to benefit from the conditional cash transfers and contribute to the overall success of the 4Ps program in reducing poverty and investing in the future of Filipino children.
Source: The Manila Times
