By Brian Campued
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will get additional funding for its priority programs after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered the slashing of locally-funded flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
During the “Kumustahan Kasama ang Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya” in Malacañan Palace on Friday, the President announced that P36 billion originally intended for flood control projects will be reallocated to support DSWD’s programs, including the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), and Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) Program.
Marcos said additional funds for AICS will cover more Filipinos in need of immediate assistance, such as during emergency medical situations, purchasing of maintenance medications and other medicines, and recovery after surgery.
PAMANA Program, meanwhile, supports the reintegration into society of former combatants through infrastructure, livelihood, health, and educational programs in conflict-affected communities.
“At higit pa riyan, magbibigay din ng mahalagang suporta para sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) at kanilang mga pamilya, lalo na sa panahon ng krisis, upang sila ay maging self-sufficient,” the Chief Executive said.
“Sa tulong ng mga programang ito, mas marami pa tayong matutulungan na kababayan at pamilya,” he added.
The President previously disclosed a spending menu where the P255 billion budget of the DPWH for locally-funded flood control projects would be realigned—encompassing priority sectors, such as education, agriculture, health, housing, infrastructure, ICT, labor, social welfare, and energy.
On Sept. 20, the Chief Executive announced the return of P60 billion in excess funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to support the expansion and improvement of its services.
Amendments to 4Ps Act eyed
For the commemoration of National Family Week, Marcos honored 18 beneficiary families of the 4Ps from different regions, recognizing their triumphs amid adversities. The “Huwarang Pantawid Pamilya” awardees received plaques and P10,000 cash each.
“Ang bawat isa na naririto ngayon ay nagpapatunay na kaya ng pamilyang Pilipino na harapin ang anumang hamon upang magtagumpay,” he said. “Kayo mismo ang nagsilbing ilaw at huwaran, hindi lamang para sa mga benepisyaryo ng 4Ps, kundi para sa lahat ng Pilipino.”
Launched in 2008 and institutionalized in 2019 by Republic Act No. 11310, the 4Ps is the flagship poverty reduction program of the government, focused on the alleviation of poverty and investing in human capital.
Through 4Ps, poor households are provided with conditional cash grants and other social welfare programs aimed to improve health and nutrition of young children and mothers, encouraging schooling, and increasing their average food expenditure.
“Ngunit, hindi pa rito nagtatapos ang ating layunin. Nais pa natin dagdagan ang mga pamilyang may sapat na kakayahan na itaguyod ang kanilang buhay kaya’t patuloy pa nating pinapalakas ang 4Ps,” Marcos stressed.
He said the government is studying proposing amendments to the 4Ps Act to better address the needs of beneficiaries.
“Sinisiguro natin na bawat hakbang ay nakabatay sa masusing pagsusuri, upang manatiling matibay at epektibo ang 4Ps para sa lahat ng mga nangangailangan nito,” the President said.
“Bilang Pangulo, pinapangako ko na ako ay magsisikap upang ang bawat pamilya, ang bawat Pilipino ay makakalakad nang may ginhawa at dignidad,” he added.
-jpv
