While the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) remains impartial and free from any political influence, the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) has appealed anew to 4Ps beneficiaries to be wary of political candidates who are using the program to advance their agenda.
“Huwag po kayong maniniwala kapag po may mga kandidato o mga politiko na nagsabing pwede nila kayong ipasok o tanggalin mula sa programa,” 4Ps Social Marketing Division Chief (DC) Marie Grace Ponce said on Wednesday (March 5) in the DSWD’s online program, “4Ps Fastbreak”.
DC Ponce has reiterated that the DSWD is the sole agency that can remove or delist 4Ps member-households as well as enroll new beneficiaries in the program.
“Tanging DSWD lang po ang maaaring magtanggal doon sa mga beneficiaries ng 4Ps at hindi po tayo basta-basta nagtatanggal. Yung pagtatanggal po natin ng mga beneficiaries, maliwanag po na nakasaad sa batas kung anu-ano lang yung mga pamamaraan para po kayo ay mawala sa programa,” DC Ponce told 4Ps Fastbreak.
To safeguard the DSWD’s programs and services from any political interference, the Department issued Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 9, S. 2021 or the “Policy Guidelines on Strengthening Partnership with Stakeholders During Election and Non-Election Periods”.
Under the MC, the DSWD will strengthen its advocacy work to disseminate information that the agency’s programs and services cannot be used for any political agenda.
DC Ponce also explained that activities which involve the gathering of 4Ps beneficiaries are likewise allowed, including meetings with volunteers or parent leaders when needed, as long as these are not held to advance any candidate’s political agenda.
Concerned citizens may report cases of politicking to the 4Ps text hotline no. 0918-912-2813.
Launched in 2008 and institutionalized by Republic Act (RA) 11310 in 2019, the 4Ps is the national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households for a maximum period of seven years to improve their children’s health, nutrition and education.
The ‘4Ps Fastbreak’ is hosted by Information Officer Venus Balito of the Strategic Communications Group’s Digital Media Service (DMS) and is aired every Wednesday, 11 am, using the DSWD’s Facebook platform. (AKDL)