4P's POOREST OF THE POOR

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III has raised concerns over the ongoing delays in the government’s flagship poverty alleviation program, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Despite efforts to expand the program, many Filipino families are still on long waiting lists, waiting for their turn to receive financial assistance.

Pimentel, who has been a vocal advocate for the expansion and improvement of social welfare programs, emphasized that while additional measures to support the 4Ps program have been proposed by various politicians and officials, the core objectives of the program remain unfulfilled.

"Many families across the country are still waiting to be enrolled in the 4Ps program. While there have been promises of additional support and initiatives, the reality is that the program's existing beneficiaries are not even receiving the full benefits they are entitled to," Pimentel stated during a recent session at the Senate.

The 4Ps program, aimed at providing conditional cash transfers to the country’s poorest families, is designed to alleviate poverty and improve the education, health, and nutrition of children in low-income households. However, with a significant number of eligible families still on the waiting list, Pimentel highlighted that the government's response has been slow, leaving many in desperate need of financial assistance.

Pimentel pointed out that some politicians and officials are proposing supplementary actions to address the issue, but he remains cautious. "These proposals, while well-meaning, cannot overshadow the urgent need for effective delivery of services under the 4Ps. We must first fulfill the promises to the families who have been waiting for far too long," he stressed.

Despite the challenges, Pimentel remains optimistic about the potential of the 4Ps program to reduce poverty in the country. He has called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to prioritize addressing the waiting lists and ensuring that the existing beneficiaries are properly supported.

"The 4Ps program is a critical lifeline for many Filipino families. It’s crucial that we address these delays and ensure that no one who qualifies for assistance is left behind," Pimentel concluded.

As the 2024 holiday season approaches, many of the country’s most vulnerable families continue to wait for a chance at a better future, hoping that the government will act quickly to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the 4Ps program.
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