The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII reminds Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps partner-beneficiaries to be vigilant and be active citizens as the mid-term election activities begin.

“Our program partner-beneficiaries are free to decide, choose and express their beliefs and rights on issues concerning their lives,” said OIC DSWD Regional Director Rebecca P. Geamala.

“They are encouraged to exercise their right to vote and protect its secrecy and sanctity as the future of the community and the nation depends on this,” added Geamala.

Director Geamala further said that 4Ps beneficiaries are empowered individuals and are aware of their rights as citizens and they are free to choose someone whom they believe epitomizes their principles.

Pantawid Pamilya continues to implement its election-related campaign which aims to promote and strengthen active citizenry. Beneficiaries’ empowerment are further fortified through the monthly Family Development Session (FDS) with the good governance and active citizenship module and information campaign on election related matters.

“We would also like to clarify that DSWD programs and services are not directly or indirectly coursed through local officials or their offices,” said Geamala.

She appeals to everyone to refrain from spreading false information that they can, for instance, remove or de-list from the 4Ps or from any other DSWD programs and services if one would not vote for them,” Geamala said.

“Again, it is only the DSWD that can recommend additional beneficiaries to the program based on the Listahanan database and as of now we do not have expansion of the program. There is no additional 4Ps beneficiaries since the moratorium issued in 2016 has not been lifted yet. And a 4Ps household can only be removed from the program if it does not comply with the program conditions or does not have children eligible for monitoring,” she added.

Moreover, DSWD personnel like the City and Municipal Links who are covered by the Civil Service rules are not allowed to campaign or influence 4Ps beneficiaries who they should vote or support during the election.

DSWD Secretary Rolando Joselito Bautista also instructed for the conduct of payouts and other DSWD activities in neutral grounds and venue to avoid political campaigning during the DSWD activities in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (PNP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

The 4P’s is a program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households primarily of children aged 18 and below. It provides cash grants to compliant household beneficiaries with health grant worth Php 500 and educational grants worth Php 300 and Php 500.00 each to the children studying in elementary and high school, respectively. The beneficiaries also receive a rice subsidy in the form of cash amounting to Php 600.00. ###

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