File photo shows beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps wait for their turn to receive financial assistance. (Photo from DSWD’s Facebook page)
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Thursday said that it will work with other government agencies for the adjustment of grants for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao, this is to keep up with the rising inflation rates.
“I would like to reiterate what DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said that adjusting the cash grants of 4Ps beneficiaries is not just timely but that it also preserves the value of the grants,” Dumlao said in a statement.
On Tuesday, the Philippine Statistics Authority marked inflation rates in April at 3.8 percent, a slight increase from 3.7 percent in March.
“Part of the directive of the President is for the DSWD, NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) and PSA to come up with a proposal to ensure that the cash grants are responsive to present socio-economic conditions and automatically adjusted even without legislation,” Dumlao added.
The DSWD added that the 4Ps has 4.4 million beneficiaries in the country.
Under the conditional cash grant program, families can receive varied amounts based on the academic level of their children, in addition to P750 for health expenses and P650 for rice monthly.