By Brian Jules Campued
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has set aside over P100 billion under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA) to fund the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the national government.
Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said in a statement on Tuesday that a total of P106.335 billion was allocated for the 4Ps, which would benefit around 4.4 million household beneficiaries.
The said 2024 allocation is higher than the P102.610 billion budget implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in 2023.
Under the 4Ps budget this year, about P750 was allocated for monthly health coverage while P600 covered rice subsidies.
Over 7 million students will also benefit from educational subsidies ranging from P300 to P700 per month, according to the DBM.
“This significant funding will greatly benefit millions of our kababayans who are in dire need. As directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we will ensure that 4Ps under the Bagong Pilipinas will be provided with needed funding support as this program serves as a lifeline that bridges dreams to reality for many Filipinos,” Pangandaman said.
Last Feb. 20, Marcos tasked the DSWD to develop a system to adjust the amount of cash grants to ensure the government’s social protection programs are relevant and responsive to the needs of the times.
Meanwhile, Secretary Rex Gatchalian also said that his agency is planning to add a “First 1000-day grant” for 4Ps beneficiaries who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or those with children of up to two years old to address malnutrition and stunting. – avds
