The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has removed around 100,000 families from the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) due to irregularities, according to 4Ps national manager Gemma Gabuya.
Gabuya stated that the agency has been working to eliminate these anomalies, and as of December 2023, they have successfully expelled the specified number of families from the program. One common issue that has led to delisting is the act of turning over ATM cards to loan sharks, which is strictly prohibited.
In addition to the 100,000 families already removed, the DSWD aims to eliminate 1.2 million more beneficiaries this year in order to accommodate other qualified families from vulnerable sectors. This includes 200,000 beneficiaries who are expected to “graduate” from the conditional cash transfer program in September, as their children will no longer be eligible for the program.
Gabuya emphasized the importance of providing livelihood opportunities to those who graduate from 4Ps, as the program is not meant to be a long-term source of income. She also noted that approximately 180,000 families are currently on the program’s waitlist.
The DSWD’s goal is to ensure that qualified families are given the chance to avail themselves of the 4Ps program while promoting financial independence and self-sufficiency among its beneficiaries.
