Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency (PNA).
A proposal seeking to raise monthly cash assistance under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for education, health care and nutrition is moving forward in the House of Representatives.
House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand “Sandro” Marcos III said the House Committee on Appropriations is currently working on the measure’s funding requirements to advance its passage.
“Passing a consolidated 4Ps bill is important to strengthen support for education, health and nutrition. It will help the government provide more sustained assistance to Filipino households,” Marcos said.
The bill had earlier been approved by the House Committee on Poverty Alleviation and was later endorsed to the appropriations panel for budget deliberations.
The proposed measure consolidates several House bills amending key provisions of Republic Act No. 11310, or the law institutionalizing the 4Ps, to enhance benefits and update program mechanisms.
Under the committee-approved version, education grants will increase across all school levels, with higher monthly support for day care, elementary, junior high school and senior high school students, provided for up to 10 months each year.
Health assistance is also set to rise, with the monthly health grant proposed to more than double, while children with disabilities are to receive additional support in recognition of higher care needs. A new food and nutrition cash grant is likewise included.
The bill also seeks to formalize the First 1,000 Days cash grant for infants and toddlers and require more frequent reviews of benefit levels and program outcomes, with lawmakers saying the changes aim to improve child welfare and ease financial strain on low-income families.