Marcos urges DSWD to ‘calibrate’ 4Ps

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Tuesday called on the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to continue “calibrating” the government's social protection initiatives, particularly the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), to address poverty.

In a speech delivered during the DSWD's 72nd founding anniversary in Quezon City, the President enjoined the department and all government agencies “to ensure that your services reach those in need, wherever they may be.”

He said, “People should not need to travel to urban areas to access government services. That is why we must ensure that everyone everywhere will have access to all the help and services that they need.”

“Continue calibrating the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and strengthening the government's social protection initiatives, especially since one of the measures we undertake to address poverty is through the grants that we provide for the health needs of every household and education of our children,” he added.

He urged the DSWD to continue giving cash aid to poor households and individuals “who do not benefit from the lower income tax rates but who are adversely affected by rising prices.”

“Let us also enhance the Social Pension Program for Indigent Senior Citizens as a means to augment their daily subsistence and medical needs,” the Chief Executive said.

In his first State of the Nation Address in July last year, Marcos laid out his agenda, which included his intent to decrease the poverty rate to a single-digit percentage by 2028.

In line with the President's directive, the DSWD said that it had taken initial steps to achieve the goal, particularly on ensuring that families and individuals affected by disasters and crises are provided with appropriate and immediate assistance.

The department said it will adhere to the President's directive to enhance the implementation of the 4Ps by facilitating the graduation of the beneficiaries who have improved their standard of living and are no longer considered poor.

With the near completion of the Listahanan 3, the DSWD will be able to review and validate its list of beneficiaries.

The 4Ps is a poverty alleviation program of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor to respond to their immediate needs.

In his speech on Tuesday, Marcos underscored the DSWD's crucial role in providing assistance to the people, especially those who belong to vulnerable sectors.

“Today, we recognize and take pride in this institution's stability and reliability. For over 70 years, the DSWD has remained unwavering in its mission to improve the lives of every Filipino, especially those who are in distress, those who are in danger and those who we can see are in disadvantage,” he said.

“Your dedication has proven vital to the success of this noble institution and this noble work that you do for our people. And that is why I enjoin the entire Filipino people in expressing our gratitude for your continued excellence in rendering public service,” Marcos added.

He lauded the DSWD personnel's efforts and sacrifices, which he said were driven by their “faithfulness to service and a true genuine love for the Filipino people.”

This year's celebration of the DSWD's founding anniversary carries the theme “[email protected]: Kaagapay sa Pagbangon, Katuwang sa Bawat Hamon,” giving recognition to the agency's workforce as champions of its brand of sincere and trusted public service, as well as the core strength of the institution in the performance of its mandate.

During the event, Marcos led the inauguration of the department's multipurpose building at the DSWD Compound in Batasan Hills in Quezon City.

Meanwhile, the President reminded the DSWD to remain steadfast “in your commitment to ensuring that more Filipinos will be provided with quality service in the coming years.”

“The work that you do is crucial, and I am assured that with your dedication and hard work, we will continue to make progress in uplifting the lives of our fellow Filipinos,” Marcos said.