Level of Knowledge of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Pupil Beneficiaries: Its Effects to the Pupil's Performance

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program was introduced in 2007 in the Philippines on selected pilot areas and implemented in the country in 2008. Cash assistance is given to recipient families for their immediate needs with the aim of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty through investing in human capital. In exchange for the cash transfer, beneficiaries were required to enroll their qualified children 0-14 years old and ensure their regular attendance to classes. Determining the level of knowledge of pupil beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and its effect to their academic performance is a tool to find out the effectiveness of the program andcan be used as a reference in the program evaluation.

METHODS

Descriptive-Correlative method of research was used in this study. The descriptive method was used to determine the level of knowledge of the program by the 4Ps pupil beneficiaries of Datu Abdulbali Elementary School. The correlative method was used to determine the significant relationship between the beneficiaries' level of knowledge about the 4Ps program and their academic performance based on their general average. A questionnaire was used to determine the level of knowledge on the program among the 4Ps pupil beneficiaries. Their academic performance was based on their general average from the SF5 of the class where the beneficiaries were enrolled.

RESULTS

Program beneficiaries are informed about the conditional requirements for continuous inclusion in the program. An over-all mean of (M-3.86) indicated that the pupil beneficiaries "Agree" that they have knowledge of the 4ps program; they "Moderately Agree" that the program has specific conditions for recipient families to comply (M-4.09); parents informed them why they are eligible for the program (M-3.10); benefit they will receive (M-3.22); consequences if they fail to meet the conditions (M-3.38); and involvement in decision-making in the utilization of cash grrrants (M-.87) It showed that the beneficiaries have "fairly satisfactory" level of academic performance. Out of one hundred six (106) beneficiaries, only 94 got grades of 75-79, fairly satisfactory,7 got grades of 80-84, 1 got 85-89 and one (1) got 90 and above. Correlation showed that the level of knowledge of 4Ps beneficiaries was significantly related to their academic performance with a correlation coefficient of r=0.226 and the p-value of .020 since p<.05.

DISCUSSIONS

Results showed that the over-all Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has an impact on the academic performance of the pupil beneficiaries. They tend to perform better in their academics when they were aware of the program's conditionalities and implementation. Conditionalities and requirements must include achievement, knowledge and, quality of education of the beneficiaries rather than mere enrolment and attendance in their classes.