DSWD meets with 4Ps group to address program gaps
MANILA, Philippines— Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Friday met with the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP) to address concerns regarding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
The SNPP consists of people part of the 4Ps program, including beneficiaries. They previously expressed their dismay at the complicated and lacking system of the program.
According to SNPP President Angela Tubello, there was an extensive shortage and delay of cash grants, tagging of some families as “non-poor” and “unassest” yet their assistance needs are still evident, and signing of waivers which made the beneficiaries graduate from in the aid program without proper basis.
“Nais naming bigyan ng paglilinaw na ang pagsasabatas ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program ay naglalayong makapagbigay ng tulong pinansyal sa pamamagitan ng tinatawag na ‘Conditional Grant’ para sa edukasyon, kalusugan, at pag-unlad ng pamilya, ngunit kung bigla na lamang matatanggal ang kondisyonal na tulong pinansyal ng walang sapat na paghahanda ay maaaring magbalik sa pamilya ng 4Ps sa pinakamahirap na sektor ng bansa,” Tubello said in a statement.
(We want to make it clear that the enforcement of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program aims to provide financial assistance through the so-called ‘Conditional Grant’ for education, health, and growth of family, but if the conditional financial assistance gets removed all of a sudden and without enough preparation, it can push the 4Ps families back to the poorest sector of the country.)
In the meeting, Gatchalian affirmed that all their issues are acknowledged and that the department will act upon them according to the 4Ps program regulations. He then asked the SNPP to help the agency in disseminating the correct process of sending complaints through the steps mandated by the Grievance Redress System.
Article continues after this advertisementThe DSWD Secretary also noted the significance of cooperation between the 4Ps groups to ensure the success of the DSWD programs.
Article continues after this advertisement“Nangako ang Kalihim na bukas ang kanyang tanggapan para sa regular na pakikipag-usap sa SNPP,” the DSWD marked.
(The Secretary promised that his office is open to regular communication with SNPP.)
The meeting was joined by some high-ranking officials of the DSWD, namely: Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera, Assistant Secretary Evelyn Macapobre, Assistant Secretary Marites Maristela, and 4Ps National Program Manager Director Gemma Gabuya.
“Patuloy na paiigtingin ng DSWD ang ugnayan nito sa iba’t ibang sektor upang lalo pang mapalakas ang mga programa nito laban sa kahirapan,” the social welfare agency added.
(DSWD will continue to strengthen its ties with various sectors to strengthen its programs against poverty.)
— Aliah Gumasing, INQUIRER.net trainee
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