The Reality Behind the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Implementation: Exploring the Possibility of Effecting Change in Local Communities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is viewed as a poverty shield among the poorest of the poor. This program has been existing to assist families in providing education, health, and nutrition of their children. Despite its increasing impact, its implementation is tainted with issues among program beneficiaries and the displaced applicants. In this study, the researchers aimed to unveil the reality behind the 4Ps implementation. Its main agenda is to produce valid results that would clarify issues about the selection process and the utilization of grants including the mechanisms available to ensure compliance to program guidelines.

METHODS

The method used in the conduct of the study is descriptive-evaluative-exploratory -a combination of the quantitative and qualitative data analysis technique. One hundred eighty-eight (188) 4Ps members are chosen to answer a survey on the implementation, process of selection and utilization of grant. After noting the results, an interview was conducted among non-participants to verify the veracity of the data, and among the implementers to validate the study findings. An analysis was made to identify what programs or activities are appropriate to disseminate the study findings and to resolve non-compliance to program guidelines.

RESULTS

The effectiveness of the 4 Ps implementation has generated opposing views. From the point of the implementers, it is highly effective but for the beneficiaries, it is not. Political influence is a major problem that hinders the effectiveness of the selection process, while the diversion of funds affects the utilization of grants. Likewise, pawning of cash cards is a critical violation noted among program beneficiaries. However, despite the emergence of these issues, grantees are not fully aware of the strategies initiated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to practically eliminate any opportunity for political influence and diversion of funds in its implementation. Beneficiaries are also not informed about the corrective actions and the procedures employed to eradicate misallocation of grants, like regular cash grant monitoring, reports from parent leaders and barangay council. Case management is also in place to resolve issues on pawning and students at risk of dropping, which according to a municipal link has 3 phases of counseling remedies. Finally, some remedies were noted to have significant bearing to improve the effectiveness of program implementation, which include: 1) Intensive orientation program; 2) Effective strategy for shortlisting of applicants; 3) Creation of a technical working group to facilitate regular evaluation of programs and activities and its impact on beneficiaries; 4) Intensive pre-registration of applicants; and 5) Creation of institutionalized programs to monitor and evaluate the utilization of cash grants.

DISCUSSIONS

Regular evaluation is necessary to uphold the sustainability of the program. Programs and activities relative to the implementation of the 4Ps must be clearly understood by the grantees. Involvement of 4Ps members to the monitoring and evaluation procedures of the implementing unit will result in more active participation and compliance to program guidelines and activities. Hence, in every strategy, a 4Ps member is willing to volunteer to ensure its efficiency.