DSWD holds learning exchange forum on 4Ps for media

November 18, 2019 Provincial

LAGAWE, Ifugao, Nov. 14 (PIA) – Taking cognizance of the important role of media in empowering the community, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) recently held a learning exchange forum cum media tour here.

About 50 participants from various media outfits, bloggers and DSWD employees joined the activity that aims to increase the knowledge of attendees on the program’s selection process and the different assessment mechanisms in the implementation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Marie Grace Ponce of DSWD-Central office said the activity was started in 2012 to gain the support of media in selling-out the program and services of the government to all stakeholders.

Ifugao was selected to host the event to showcase the beauty of the place and best practices of the 4Ps beneficiaries especially in Lamut town amidst some negative feedback besetting the pro-poor program. 4Ps is a rights-based program that focuses on human capital development through the provision of cash grants to eligible poor households.

It is one of the flagship social protection programs of the national government that seek to enable poor households to meet certain human development goals, particularly on health and education outcomes, to break the inter-generational cycle of poverty.

Farmers, fisher-folks, homeless families, indigenous peoples, those in the informal settler sector, and those in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, including those areas without electricity shall be automatically included in the standardized targeting system.

In the forum, Ponce discussed the program implementation cycle, conditions, benefit package and mode of payment, status of the program implementation and other important points about the 4Ps.

Among the notable issues raised during the discussion are mid-selection of beneficiaries, pawning of cash grants cards and no clear policy in dealing with exiting beneficiaries who have gained better economic status. Ponce reiterated that the agency is exhausting all measures to address the gaps for the benefit of all stakeholders. She encouraged anyone to report any problem concerning the beneficiaries and the program for proper action by concerned authorities.

The participants were treated to a one-day media tour and community immersion with the beneficiaries in Lamut town for possible good news stories about their best practices and the gains given by the program.

They vowed to promote the 4Ps in their respective media platforms to help address the misconception or misinformation about the program for community empowerment and nation building.

JDP/MBL-PIA CAR, Ifugao