The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has brought changes to a lot of Filipino families with not just financial but also substantial support which sparks hope and determination to families to see circumstances with a silver-lining and alleviate their lives out of poverty.

Dimna Terol and her family is one of the family beneficiaries of 4Ps in San Remigio, Cebu aspired to use the cash grant they received monthly to support their family’s needs.

When Dimna and her husband Melvin started their family in the early 2000s, they got hired in a basket weaving industry crafting different designs, forms and shapes of basket products from the indigenous materials found locally.

It is one of the common community livelihoods in their area where these local products were exported and sold in the international market.

Dimna said that while working as basket makers, she and her husband earn one thousand a week, that is equivalent to four thousand a month which is not enough because they have children to feed and send to school.

The Terol couple has three children namely: Charity Mae, the only daughter and eldest child; Jemson, the middle child; and, Melvin Jr., the youngest in the family.

“Sauna lisod gyud kaayo mi, maglibog mi unsaon paggamit ug pag-budget sa amoang kwarta aron dili makulang,” exclaimed Dimna.

“Mao nagpasalamat gyud ko nga naapil ko aning 4Ps kay dako kaayo siya og natabang sa among pamilya, nakatabang gyud siya sa among kalisod,” added Dimna.

Dimna said that they are grateful that they qualified to become a beneficiary of the program after they were identified by the DSWD staff in the survey conducted approximately ten years ago.

“Tungod sa 4Ps, nakapaeskwela gyud mi sa among mga anak gani naa nami anak nga ni graduate pag 2017 og pagkamaestra,” Dimna said that her eldest got a scholarship in college from Expanded Students Grants in Aid Program for Poverty Alleviation (ESGP-PA) while her other children is second year college taking up Graphics and Design and the other is an incoming grade 10.

Because of 4Ps, Dimna said that she was able to save money to start a new livelihood which is to sell pork products until they were able to accumulate their savings and expand their business.

Dimna Terol with one of the two female hogs their family have for their livelihood. She said one swine could produce more than 10 piglets from each pregnancy.

“Ang pagka-4Ps namo nakatabang-tabang gyud aron kami makatigum og makasugod ug laing panginabuhian,” she said.

It was also then the family decided to shift their livelihood and focus on hog raising because it provides them better income.

Currently, Dimna and her family depend on their two female swine and native chickens while his husband works now as a construction worker.

Dimna said that she made sure that the cash grant they received from the government will be spent well in things that they are purposely given to.

“Dapat tarungon gyud nato og gasto ang kwarta og gasa gikan sa gobyerno sa maayo na butang,” Dimna said while pointing out the hogs they have because of her savings and spending their money wisely. ###

For 13-year old Jhon Rhod Amodia, it is not a hindrance to share blessings to others regardless of age and status in life.

“Sa panahon karon, nakita nako nga daghan nagkinahanglan tungod halos kasagaran trabaho naundang man sama sa mga drivers, construction workers ug mananagat mao naka-hunahuna ko isip usa ka batang kristiyano nga motabang ko bisan sa ginagmay nga pamaagi kay matod pa sa pulong sa Ginoo nga mabasa sa bibliya sa Mateo 22:39 Higugmaa ang imong isig katawo sama sa imong kaugalingon (During this time, I saw that there are many who are in need because most of the jobs have to temporarily stop like the drivers, construction workers and fishermen and that is why as a Christian child, I need to help them even in my small way because as the word of God in Matthew 22:39 says, You shall love your neighbor as yourself),” said Jhon Rhod.

Jhon Rhod Amodia gives relief goods to his neighbors. He bought these goods using his savings.

The 2019 Exemplary Pantawid Pamilya Children regional winner who hails from Barangay Gabi, Cordova, Cebu, is the eldest son of Teodulfo and Jonalyn Amodia. His younger and only sibling is Jose Rodulfo, 9 years old.

Teodulfo is a project-based construction worker. When there is no available work, he drives a “trisikad” while Jonalyn helps her husband put food on the table by managing her own “sari-sari” store. She also occasionally sells food in their neighborhood.

Recently, Jhon Rhod decided to make a relief drive for his neighbors using his savings in his “alkansiya”. His mother Jonalyn also added some money to fulfil his plan.

“Pinaagi sa tabang sa Ginoo, nakuha nako ang maong kantidad nga igong ikapalit sa relief goods ug nagpasalamat ako nga natubag ang akong mga pag-ampo kay dako gayud ang akong tinguha sa akong kasingkasing nga makatabang ako sa uban nga nanginahanglan sama namo (Through the help of God, I was able to gather the amount that is enough to buy relief goods and I was grateful that my prayers were answered because in my heart I am determined to help others especially those who are in need, like us),” explained Jhon Rhod.

Fifty neighbors including their churchmates were the recipients of Jhon Rhod’s relief drive.

The relief goods included 2 kilos of rice, 2 noodles, 2 canned sardines and 4 eggs wrapped in a plastic container.

Activities during quarantine

While the classes have to suspend by mid-March 2020 due to the community quarantine, Jhon Rhod did not just idle around and waste the time to pass.

He made an effort to help his parents in their household chores while following safety protocols against the corona virus disease (COVID-19).

“Nagtabang ko sa akong Papa sa pagpamisbis sa mga tanom ug nagtanom kami kuyog sa akong manghod og utanon sulod sa kaang sama sa kamatis, alugbate, talong ug ampalaya. Importante pud nga pirme limpyo imung panlawas ug palibot aron makalikay ta sa sakit (I helped my father in watering the plants and together with my younger brother, we planted vegetables in pots like tomato, spinach, eggplant and bitter gourd. It is also important that we are also clean in our body and our surroundings to avoid getting sick),” said Jhon Rhod.

During his break time, he also finds time to play with his younger brother and neighbors.

Emergency Cash Subsidy

 Jonalyn also shared that by the time they received their regular cash grant in 4Ps and the emergency cash subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), she immediately secured their basic necessities like food and vitamins.

“Pagkadawat nako kay gipalit jud nako para sa among konsumo sama sa usang sakong bugas, vitamins ug gatas sa mga bata ug gi-budget ang nahabilin para pang-sud-an (By the time I received the cash grants, I immediately purchase items for our basic needs like one sack of rice, vitamins and milk for the children and I budgeted the remaining money for our viands),” said Jonalyn.

She underscored that the cash grants in 4Ps and the emergency cash subsidy under SAP helped their family during the community quarantine since her husband has to stop driving the “trisikad”.

Jonalyn also emphasized that saving money is important because people can have something to use in time of need.

“Isip 4Ps beneficiaries kinahanglan kabalo ta unsaon pag-gamit sa hinabang gikan sa gobyerno aron kung adunay mahitabo dili nata maglisod og kuot ug dili magpataka gastos sa dili importante nga mga butang ug motabang ta sa uban nga nagkalisud na gayud (As 4Ps beneficiaries, one should know how to use the assistance provided by the government so that during troubled times it would not be difficult for us because we have savings, we should not spend money to unnecessary things and help those who are in dire need),” added Jonalyn. ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII has started the distribution of its emergency cash subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to the non-cash card beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary in Lapu-Lapu City receives her emergency cash subsidy through over-the-counter payout.

As of May 20, 2020, 3,273 non-cash card 4Ps beneficiaries have already received the first tranche of the emergency cash subsidy, while 224,061 4Ps beneficiaries with Landbank of the Philippines (LBP) cash card accounts have withdrawn their emergency cash subsidy through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Over-the-counter payouts are ongoing to non-cash card 4Ps beneficiaries while distribution of cash cards is also ongoing to 58,089 household beneficiaries without physical cash cards.

Overall, a total of 227,334 4Ps beneficiaries in Central Visayas region have already received their SAP emergency cash subsidy.

Under the Republic Act (RA) No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal As One” law, the government through DSWD, shall provide, among others, an emergency subsidy ranging from 5,000 to 8,000 pesos per family to about 18 million low-income poor families who have been severely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. Such subsidy represents the minimum wage rate per region meant to provide the poor households an additional resource to allow them to purchase basic necessities such as food, medicines, vitamins and hygiene essentials.

For Central Visayas region, SAP beneficiaries receive an amount of Php 6,000.00.

For 4Ps household beneficiaries in the region, the computation of receivable amounts covered in the SAP emergency subsidy includes the emergency subsidy amounting to Php 4,650 which they received in the first payout while the remaining Php 1,350.00 for the health grant (Php 750) and rice subsidy (Php 600) will be given in the next payout.

Also, all 4Ps household beneficiaries availing the emergency cash subsidy under SAP are no longer qualified to receive other subsidy from other national government agencies.

The 4Ps beneficiaries with cash cards were the very first recipients of the first tranche of SAP released as early as April 4. The remaining non-cash card holders received their subsidy afterwards as their payout scheme had to be managed and coordinated with the different Local Government Units (LGUs) and support stakeholders following strict protocols observed for COVID-19 response such as social distancing, wearing masks and proper hygiene. ###

“Kabalo ko unsay gibati sa usa ka nanginahanglan ug mao nga i-ambit nako kini sa uban (I know how it feels to be in need and that is why I have to share this to others),” said Zenitha Ocampo, a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) partner-beneficiary from Santa Fe, Cebu.

Zenitha Ocampo delivers the food packs they prepared with her co-4Ps beneficiaries in Santa Fe, Cebu.

Together with her 22 co-4Ps beneficiaries in Barangay Talisay, they contributed at least Php 100.00 to buy food items to be shared to others.

“Sa pagkakarun, napulo pa ka mga tawo among gitagaan kay nag-agad man sad mi sa among gi-amot ug gipili namo kadtung mga Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) ug Senior Citizens nga wala pud panginabuhian (As of now, we only provided to ten people based on the total contribution of the group and we chose those who are PWDs and Senior Citizens who does not have income),” added Zenitha.

Zenitha shared that the PWDs are close to her heart since her eldest daughter, Jane Marie is a PWD.

She and her husband, Rey, works as a caretaker in a rest house and most of the time they brought along Jane Marie to their work.

“Dako gayud ang tabang sa Pantawid sa pagpaeskwela sa akong mga anak sama nako nga ang lima niini gaeskwela ug adunay mag college na sunod tuig (The Pantawid has helped us send our children to school especially that my five children are all studying and one of them will be in college next year),” said Zenitha.

Another group of 4Ps beneficiaries from Bogo City, Cebu shared their blessings to their neighbors who are non-4Ps beneficiaries.

Joy Lucero, one of the Parent Leaders in Barangay Odlot, headed her group in a relief drive.

“Gikan sa among gi-amot nakapanghatag mi bugas, kape, monggos, mga de lata nga sardinas ug sabong pangligo (From our group contribution, we were able to give rice, 3-in-1 coffee, monggo, canned sardines and bath soap),” said Joy.

Joy said that initially they agreed to contribute rice but all of them also give a small monetary amount to buy other food items.

She said that this is not their first time for her group to share blessings to others.

Joy Lucero together with her co-4Ps beneficiary shares their blessings to their neighbors who are non-4Ps.

“Sa kadtong naa pay klase ang mga bata ug human namo makadawat sa among cash grant sa Pantawid kay mag-lugaw mi ug magpafeeding sa eskwelahan (During school days and after we received our cash grant in Pantawid, we cook porridge and conduct feeding in the school),” said Joy.

Joy also shared that after she received her regular 4Ps cash grant and the emergency subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP), she secured the daily food consumption of her family by buying two sacks of rice and one sack of corn. She also bought viands and other essentials like bath soaps. ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII releases the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) Bayanihan Fund: Tulong Laban sa COVID-19 for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries today, April 4, 2020.

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in the town of Consolacion, Cebu withdraw from the Landbank automated teller machines (ATM) today their emergency subsidy under the Social Amelioration Program (SAP).

More than 263,000 4Ps household beneficiaries in Central Visayas region will receive Php 6,000.00 per month for two months which is based on the minimum wage level in the region. The emergency cash subsidy will serve as a top-up amount added to their regular cash grants and rice subsidy.

Program beneficiaries with Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) cash cards may withdraw from any Land Bank of the Philippines Automated Teller Machines (LBP-ATMs) or any ATM subject to minimal charges. They may also use their cash cards to purchase necessary items in establishments with Point of Sale (POS) terminal.

For Maribel Tagalog, a 4Ps beneficiary in Brgy. Pulpogan, Consolacion, Cebu, “Makatabang gayud kini sa among pamilya labi na sa pagkakarun wala’y income (This would greatly help our family especially now that there is no income).” She also serves as one of the Parent Leaders among the 4Ps beneficiaries in their barangay.

Maribel’s husband works as a construction worker and have to temporarily stopped because of the community quarantine due to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

“Dili man paigo ang kita sa akong bana mao nga maningkamot pud ko agi sa pagpang-labada ug pagpaninda mga pagkaon sa among silingan (The salary of my husband is not enough and that is why I need to work as a laundrywoman and by selling viands in the neighborhood),” explained Maribel.

After withdrawing her emergency cash subsidy, she immediately went to the public market to buy their essential needs like rice, milk, shampoo, bath soap among others.

“Gisiguro gayud nako nga makapalit usang sako nga bugas para sa adlaw-adlaw namo nga kaon (I ensured that I bought one sack of rice for our daily meal),” she added.

Maribel underscored that she is thankful for the subsidy provided by the government.

Meanwhile, for 4Ps beneficiaries who have yet to receive their cash cards, the City/Municipal Links (C/MLs) will coordinate with them for the distribution of their emergency cash subsidy.

Earlier, DSWD declared “force majeure” for the 4Ps program covering February and March, which suspends the monitoring of compliance that serves as the basis for the computation of cash grants. This was later on extended to cover the months of April and May.

Maribel Tagalog, a 4Ps beneficiary in Brgy. Pulpogan, Consolacion, Cebu, buys their family’s need like rice in the public market.

The Department has already coordinated with local government units (LGUs) and City/Municipal Links to ensure that proper arrangements will be made and that social distancing and other health safety protocols will be strictly observed during the withdrawal of emergency cash assistance.

Under Republic Act (RA) No. 11469 or the “Bayanihan to Heal as One” Act, 18 million low-income households nationwide, including 4Ps household beneficiaries, are expected to receive emergency cash assistance to cushion the impact of the public health emergency due to the COVID-19.

The DSWD reminded all its beneficiaries to be vigilant and to only believe and rely on information released by the official social media accounts and website of the Department. ###

More than 250,000 of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Central Visayas region received their cash grants on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

Some 4Ps partner-beneficiaries in Cebu City observe physical distancing while lining-up to withdraw their cash grants. Pantawid City Links and PNP personnel secure the area for an orderly payout.

While the cash grants of more than 13,000 beneficiaries of the Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) were credited on March 24, 2020. MCCT is a sub-component of the 4Ps which uses a modified approach in implementing the conditional cash transfer program for poor families including Homeless Street Families, Indigenous Peoples, and Families in Need of Special Protection.

The cash grants were credited through the Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) card and can be withdrawn from any Land Bank of the Philippines Automated Teller Machines (LBP-ATMs) or any ATM subject to minimal charges.

“Dako gayud ang matabang aning cash grant namo nga madawat karon labi na nga nahunong kadiyot ang trabaho sa akong bana kay ga-community quarantine man ta batok sa COVID-19 (The cash grant that I would be receiving now would be a big help especially that my husband’s work was temporarily stopped because of the community quarantine against COVID-19),” said Sergia Daza, a Parent Leader of Brgy. Ermita, Cebu City. Her husband is a construction worker.

“Inig madawat nako ang cash grant kay pumalit dayon ko mga panginahanglanon namo sama sa bugas, sud-an, sabon ug uban pa (After I received our cash grant, I would purchase our basic needs like rice, viands, soap among others),” added Sergia.

While lining-up for the ATM machine, 4Ps beneficiaries observed physical distancing and wore personal protective equipment (PPE) like face mask. They also brought hand sanitizers for disinfection.

Sergia Daza, a Parent Leader of Brgy. Ermita, Cebu City, disinfects her hands using an alcohol.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII employees like the City/Municipal Links and City/Municipal Roving Bookkeepers observed in the proper conduct of the payout in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The 4Ps 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 is implemented by the DSWD together with DoH and DepEd. ###

Character begins at home and echoes to the community.

This is how grade 8 student Shame Adanza Lagos brought pride to her family for being an exemplary child provincial winner from Zamboanguita, Negros Oriental. And, one of the four regional exemplary children in Central Visayas for the year 2019.

Contrary to how she is named, Shame Lagos brings pride to her family for being an exemplary child provincial winner in Negros Oriental.

Contrary to how she was named, 13-year-old Shame has a steadfast commitment of being a good daughter to her parents by bringing honor to her family and community.

She believes that the high road to success is not a one-stop shop but a combination of education, hard work, dedication and patience that would allow her to reach the higher pedestal.

Raised by a poor family, Shame tackled her rigors and struggles in life as a child.

Rofer, her father, works as an on call carpenter and construction worker for their daily needs while her mother, Luz, is a housewife who takes care of the property owned by a relative and at the same time a catechist. Luz works as a service crew when she gets a call from a catering service.

Shame has two other siblings namely: Caster Nash, her elder brother, and Sharmelene, her younger sister.

Growing Responsibly

All family members work hand in hand as no one is exempted to do house chores.

As for Shame, before she heads to school, she would first pasture their three goats every morning and after school in the afternoon she would lead them back in their pen.

While on weekends, she is seen fully assisting her mother in the household chores and assumed these tasks as part of her daily routine.

“Ang tabang namo sa among ginikanan sa mga buluhaton sa panimalay nakatabang sa amo na mahimong responsibilidad ug nagpalig-on pud kini sa akong relasyon sa akong mga igsoon kay sa tanan namo buluhaton aduna man gyud pagsinabtanay (The assistance we give to our parents made us to become responsible and also strengthens my relationship with my siblings since we cooperate with one another),” Shame explained.

Despite her daily pressures, Shame still finds time to spend on her hobbies such sporting badminton, playing ukulele and dancing. As a member of a dance group, she got into dance competitions in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in school.

Shame is a talented dancer where she uses this talent to connect and interact with other people.

“Pinaagi sa akong pag sayaw ako kini gamiton para kami magkahiusa ug makita nila nga kami nagkahi-usa para sa usa ka tumong g tuyo (Through my dancing, I want to use this for us to unite and to show everyone that we are in one mission and aspiration),” Shame said.

Attaining ambition through education

Notably top of her class, Shame is a consistent first honor from grade one to six and represents her school in the district level competitions.

She is a bookworm who is focused on her studies and determined to thrive for academic excellence.

“To be an honor student is not easy but I need to study hard because it is the only way I can return back all the sacrifices of my parents and also to the government who is supporting us,” Shame said as she keeps herself to be in school always so she won’t miss out on any lessons.

Shame’s parents believe that the achievement of their children, especially of Shame’s is another way of giving back to the government.

“Wala mi makatapos sa among pag eskwela apan ang among mga anak nga nagpakita og kamaayo sa klase gahatag kanamo og kadasig sa pagpanginabuhi sa pang adlaw-adlaw (We did not finish our studies but that fact that our children are doing well in school makes us inspired everyday),” Rofer said while assuring support to Shame in achieving her dreams.

Shame aims to become a nurse someday.

She wanted to save lives, give comfort to those who are in need and bring happiness to individuals and families.

“I want to be a nurse someday para makatabang ko sa mga nagkinahanglan (to help people in need) and also to serve my country,” explained Shame.

Leadership in action and faith

God-fearing, youth with a mission and a good role model are what Shame was often described by people in her community

She transformed herself to become an explorative gal who could stand whatever challenges she faced.

Shame became president the supreme pupil government (SPG) in her school when she was in grade 6 and at the same time Junior Legion of Mary – Vice President since 2016 up to now.

In her top agenda as SPG president during grade 6, she advocated for proper waste management in school where she and her constituents were able to collect recyclable materials and educate their fellows on responsible waste disposal.

With this eventually, they were able to raise funds for the provision of school supplies which benefited students with papers, notebooks, pens and booklets.

Currently, Shame is actively involved in their academy’s Pathfinder Club which focuses on the cultural, social and religious education of children and teens.

“Being a member of Pathfinder club (Seventh Day Adventist) and Junior Legion of Mary (Roman Catholic) I am not distracted at all, we might have different doctrines but I believe that we are worshipping same and one God,” Shame propounded.

Shame is also active in participating in children’s catechism during summer where she imparts her knowledge to children for them to be guided with God’s word.

She said that she was inspired by her mother who is a catechist and wanted to follow her footsteps in spreading the message of hope and love to everyone.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has a big impact on the lives of Shame’s family especially in the Family Development Session (FDS) and cash grants they received from the program.

“Pag abot sa 4Ps daghan kaayo mi nakat-onan. Kung member ka sa 4Ps dili nagpasabot nga dili ka maningkamot ug dili dapat saligan kay kini ayuda gikan sa national government (We learned a lot when 4Ps came in. If you are a member of 4Ps that does not mean you do not have to toil and simply rely on the government),” Luz said while encouraging other beneficiaries to use cash grants wisely.

As a 4Ps beneficiary, Shame wants to be a role model and inspires everyone on what to do to alleviate their lives through discipline and finish their studies. ###

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office VII encourages Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) partner-beneficiaries to follow safety protocols during its cash grant payout.

“We are informing our 4Ps beneficiaries to follow the exact schedule of their payout as advised by their 4Ps City and Municipal Links. If the date of the payout is already confirmed by their City and Municipal Links, that is the time they can withdraw their cash grant using their cash card in the nearest Landbank ATM machine,” said DSWD-7 Regional Director Rebecca Geamala.

Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) partner-beneficiaries maintains at least one-meter distance while lining-up for the ATM machine to withdraw their cash grants.

Cash grants credited through the Europay, Mastercard, and Visa (EMV) card may be withdrawn from any Land Bank of the Philippines Automated Teller Machines (LBP-ATMs) or any ATM subject to minimal charges. Beneficiaries may also use their EMV cards in establishments that receive payment through point-of-sale (POS).

In withdrawing their cash grants, the 4Ps beneficiaries are encouraged to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) like face mask, gloves, handkerchief and bring hand sanitizers or alcohol and umbrella.

Physical distancing at least one (1) meter should also be strictly followed by 4Ps beneficiaries while lining-up for the ATM machine.

After withdrawing their cash grant and purchasing important items, the 4Ps beneficiaries are also encouraged to properly wash their hands, disinfect before entering their house and change clothes.

“In times like this, the cash grant would be a big help to the 4Ps beneficiaries for them to buy their needs like food and vitamins but everyone should be cautious enough to avoid the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) to others,” underscored Director Geamala.

For Nenita Moncada, a Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) beneficiary from Brgy, Carreta, Cebu City, the cash grants that they received from the government helps in augmenting their family’s needs.

“Dako gyud ang natabang aning programa sa among pamilya labi na sa pagpa-eskwela sa akong mga anak nga naninguha pud sa ilang pagtuon (The program helps our family especially in sending our children to school who are persistent in their studies),” said Nenita who works as a street vendor and now sells viands in their neighborhood.

Meanwhile, the Department is temporarily suspending 4Ps activities such as the conduct of the monthly Family Development Sessions (FDS) and the assessment of household beneficiaries using the Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI).

The Department has also waived the program conditionalities for the months of February and March 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).

For the succeeding months, the Department will assess the situation and will recommend accordingly regarding suspension of 4Ps activities and waived program conditionalities.

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. Currently it has 282,575 household beneficiaries in Central Visayas region. ###