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In support of the government’s effort to curtail the spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and prevent other public health threats such as severe malnutrition, vaccine-preventable diseases outbreak, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will resume monitoring the health compliance of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries.

Evelyn Fijo, midwife assigned in Estaca and Buenasuerte Health Stations, Pilar, Bohol checks the weight of a 4Ps monitored child. Photo taken before the COVID-19 pandemic.

To recall, the Department has waived the program conditionalities starting February following the signing of the resolution on Force Majeure. Under Rule VIII Section 15 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act (RA) 11310 or the 4Ps Act, the Secretary of DSWD may suspend the monitoring of compliance of beneficiaries to program conditionalities under “force majeure” circumstances. This means that beneficiaries will be receiving their full grants for the said period without compliance to program conditions which includes sending and keeping their school-aged children in school; pre and post-natal care for mothers; regular and preventive check-ups for children aged 5 and below; deworming for children aged 14 and below; and attendance to the monthly conduct of the Family Development Session (FDS).

The resumption of health compliance monitoring ensures that 4Ps partner-beneficiaries remain healthy amid the threat of COVID-19.

As such, DSWD FO VII urged the program beneficiaries to visit their respective health centers but strictly following the minimum health standard set by the government.

Furthermore, DSWD FO VII advises beneficiaries to coordinate with their barangay health workers on how to avail of the health services like the schedule of their health center visit, home visit, telemedicine or other mechanisms used by the Department of Health (DOH). This is to prevent overcrowding in the health centers and to maintain physical distancing among the health care providers and program beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, the conduct of the Family Development Session (FDS) that gathers 4Ps partner-beneficiaries in a monthly basis is still suspended.

The DSWD-7 is finding alternative ways to facilitate the FDS through media channel like television, radio or social media.

The 4Ps is a national poverty reduction strategy of the national government. It invests in the health, nutrition and education of poor households for an improved well-being. ###

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