DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao (PNA file photo by Joan Bondoc)
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) says its flagship Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is more than just a cash aid initiative—it’s also a tool for empowering poor families with the skills and mindset to break free from the cycle of poverty.
“What we really want to highlight is that beyond the conditional cash grants, the program aims to spark social and behavioral change,” DSWD spokesperson Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said in a radio interview on Saturday. “We give families the opportunity to value education, prioritize health, and take part in nation-building activities such as digitalization.”
A key driver of this transformation is the program’s Family Development Sessions (FDS)—monthly gatherings where beneficiaries receive guidance on responsible parenting, health and nutrition, disaster preparedness, and values formation. These sessions also teach financial literacy to help families budget effectively, start small businesses, and embrace digital tools for online services and cashless transactions.
Under 4Ps, qualified households receive cash grants for education, health, and nutrition, provided they meet certain conditions, including regular medical check-ups, consistent school attendance for children, and participation in FDS.
Seventeen years since its launch, the program has helped more than 1.4 million households graduate after showing improved well-being.
“We already have many 4Ps beneficiaries who have finished their studies and are now contributing to society. They prove that it is possible to rise from poverty,” Dumlao said.
Next year, around 1.3 million more households are expected to exit the program after completing the mandatory seven-year participation period under Republic Act 11310, or the 4Ps Act. However, the DSWD is pushing for amendments so that exit will be based on a family’s actual socio-economic condition rather than a fixed time frame.
“We are working closely with lawmakers to push for a needs-based approach. This way, we can ensure the program remains responsive to the realities of our beneficiaries and truly achieves its goal of lifting poor households out of poverty,” Dumlao said.
