CATARMAN, NORTHERN SAMAR — Over the years, there have been many discussions over the viability of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which has been at the forefront of the national government’s initiatives since it’s inception as a priority project to reduce poverty through investments in health and education.
Discussions on the matter have highlighted the need to complement financial assistance with pathways to long-term self-sufficiency and House Bill 604, recently filed by Northern Samar’s District II Rep. Edwin Marino Ongchuan, responds to this call through a timely and transformative proposal that places livelihood and skills development at the very core of social protection.
Ongchuan noted that at the focal point of this proposed amendment to Republic Act 11310, or the act institutionalizing 4Ps, is the belief that government support must not end with cash but must evolve into capability.
‘(A) beneficiary, who once relied solely on monthly cash grants, would now be able to manage a productive fish cage or cultivate organic vegetables for sale in the local market.’
NOT A DOLEOUT
The lawmaker explained that under the proposed bill, 4Ps beneficiaries will be required to complete at least two accredited livelihood or skills training programs.
Thus, with the new direction, the program will be credited into one that empowers families to become active contributors to the economy and not just recipients of doleouts candy-coated as government assistance.
The shift, Ongchuan pointed out, “is particularly relevant in his province where there is rich agriculture and aquaculture. “In many rural communities, families have access to land and waterways yet lack the technical knowledge, tools, or market access to turn them into sustainable livelihoods.”
LONG-TERM PROMISE
To expound clearly, he described how a beneficiary, who once relied solely on monthly cash grants, would now be able to manage a productive fish cage or cultivate organic vegetables for sale in the local market.
And according to Ongchuan, this is not just a vision but rather a long-term promise of progress committed to the marginalized sectors of our society.
“This is the promise of HB 604. Through partnerships with agencies such as TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority), DTI (Department of Trade and Industry), Department of Agriculture (DA), DoST (Department of Science and Technology) and even LGUs (local government units), the bill ensures that 4Ps families are connected to real, practical and sustainable income-generating activities,” he cited.
Ongchuan said that in recent years, Northern Samar has been gaining momentum in promoting micro-enterprises and community cooperatives in agriculture, fishery, and ecotourism industries through various provincial programs.
ACTIVE PARTNERSHIP
In conclusion, the congressman asserted that his proposed bill will not take away support but instead transform it by keeping the core purpose of 4Ps intact, which is to help families in need while reframing the relationship between the state and its citizens from passive dependence to active partnership.
“It tells every parent and youth in the program: you are capable and we will help you realize it,” he stressed to conclude.
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