The Importance and Benefits of 4P's (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) in Macalamcam B. Rosario, Batangas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (English: Bridging Program for the Filipino Family), also known as 4Ps and formerly Ahon Pamilyang Pilipino, is a conditional cash transfer program of the Philippine government under the Department of Social Welfare and Development. It aims to eradicate extreme poverty in the Philippines by investing in health and education particularly in ages 0-14. Macalamcam B is a barangay in the municipality of Rosario, in the province of Batangas. Its population as determined by the 2015 Census was 1,765. This represented 1.51% of the total population of Rosario. The population of Macalamcam B grew from 1,181 in 1990 to 1,765 in 2015, an increase of 584 people. Macalamcam B, Rosario, Batangas is one of the communities with many beneficiaries of 4P's. For them, the 4P’s program is really a big help. This research aims to answer the following questions: how can 4P’s help alleviate poverty of many people in the community? Is this program working well? Can 4P’s really provide educational opportunities and health services through cash incentives?

METHODS

This action research relied chiefly on the results of the questionnaires given to participants conducted during the period of the program. The descriptive method of research was used in the study to find out the situation in life of 50 beneficiaries of 4P's. The data gathered were tabulated, evaluated, and analyzed using frequency, percentages and ranking system.

RESULTS

The following were the findings revealed in the implementation of the action research. Fifty (50) beneficiaries of 4P's in Macalamcam B belonging to their poverty rate were covered by the study. Without 4P’s, the poverty rate is at 54%. With 4P’s, poverty rate is only at 46%.

DISCUSSIONS

Results show that poverty among beneficiaries without Pantawid is even higher. This shows that with this program, cash incentives are distributed to poor households. Parents regularly bring their children to preventive health check-ups and enroll them in school.