PBBM increases 4Ps funds by P7.9B to P114.2 billion for 2025
PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. has increased funds for the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) by P7.9 billion to P114.2 billion for 2025, 1-Pacman Rep. Mikee Romero said Wednesday.
Romero, who chairs the committee on poverty alleviation of the House of Representatives, said the increase is contained in the President’s version of the national budget called the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
“The adjustment will allow the government to enroll more qualified poor families in the program,” he said.
He added that at present, there are an estimated 4.4 million families receiving monthly cash grants under 4Ps.
“We hope that more families would be covered because 4Ps is really an effective poverty alleviation program as evidenced by the number of children from 4Ps households who have been assisted and who have finished college and are now working and helping their parents and siblings,” Romero stressed.
He noted that President Marcos Jr. mentioned at least two graduates from 4Ps beneficiaries who have even excelled in their licensure examinations.
Romero cited data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) showing that a total of 32,556 children from 4Ps families have finished their college education since 2016 up to April 30 this year.
Of that number, 82 graduated magna cum laude and 1,135 had cum laude honors, he said.
“These numbers show that aside from being an effective poverty reduction program, 4Ps is also a potent human development tool. The funds the President and Congress allocate each year for the program are a wise investment in human capital,” he said.
Funding for 4Ps in this year’s national budget amounts to P106.3 billion.
Romero said the President also included in the 2025 NEP P49.8 billion for the P1,000 monthly stipend of qualified poor senior citizens as identified by the DSWD.
He said some 4.6 million elderly Filipinos are expected to receive the P1,000 monthly allowance.
“On behalf of millions of 4Ps families and senior citizens, we thank the President for the huge allocations,” he said.
He said funds for both programs are part of the proposed P226.7-billion DSWD budget for next year.
