Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps joined the culminating program of the Family Week celebration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development - National Capital Region (DSWD-NCR) held recently at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City.

“Ang pag-aalaga ng pamilya ang susi sa kinabukasan ng bayan, kaya dapat nating pahalagahan ang ating pamilya. (Taking care of one’s family is the key to the nation’s future, we should, therefore, treasure our family),” DSWD Undersecretary Alicia R. Bala, chairperson of the National Council for Filipino Family, said in her message. Among the highlights of the Family Week celebration is the awarding of cash cards to 4Ps beneficiaries from National Capital Region.

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps is the flagship project of the government in reducing poverty through investment in human capital. The household-beneficiaries receive cash assistance amounting to P1,400 per month for a family of three children in return. In return, parents must ensure that their children attend school at least 85% of the time and receive vaccinations and health care.

Pregnant women must get pre- and post natal care and childbirth must be attended by skilled/trained health professionals. Also, parents must attend responsible parenthood sessions/mother’s classes/parent effectiveness seminars. A household beneficiary with three qualified children can have as much as P15,000 a year or P1,400 per month to spend on health, nutrition and education.

DSWD-NCR Director Thelsa P. Biolena led the officials and representatives of the Regional Committee for the Filipino Family in the event. (30 September 2008)