The Department of Social Welfare and Development, the government department supporting marginalized Filipinos, extends its caring arm once more with the launching of the AKAP program, also known as Ayuda para sa Kapos and Kita Program. This initiative is the government’s proactive approach in shielding vulnerable Filipinos, especially the “near poor”—a group that comprises minimum wage earners and is at risk of slipping back into poverty because of economic fluctuations and crises that lead to situations like escalating inflation rates.
Secretary Rex Gatchalian, in a compassionate overture, acknowledged that even those slightly above the poverty line, the so-called “near poor,” are integral to the nation and cannot be overlooked. The innovative AKAP program, a component of the 2024 General Appropriations Act, was born out of necessity and vigilance. It serves as a testament to the government’s commitment in helping people against economic adversities that threaten their welfare.
Ayuda para sa Kapos and Kita (AKAP) Program for Near Poor Minimum Wage Earners
The DSWD Secretary emphasized the independence of the welfare-sector’s fiscal decisions, stating respect for the Legislative’s discernment in budget matters. The absence of expenditure from the AKAP fund for 2024 thus far underscores the DSWD’s dedication to devising thorough guidelines ensuring judicious use of the program’s P26.7 billion allocation. He confidently articulated the presumption of the budget’s legitimacy, a reflection of the legislature’s rigorous deliberation process.
Meanwhile, disassociating the AKAP program from the swirling gales of controversy, like its purported link to the “people’s initiative” to amend the Constitution, members of the House of Representatives spoke up. Representative Geraldine Roman of Bataan’s 1st District and AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Raul Angelo “Jil” Bongalon distinguished AKAP’s intentions and budget from political maneuvers, denouncing such claims as unfounded.
They underscored AKAP’s pure intent: to offer a supportive hand to Filipino citizens teetering on the economic threshold. As the discourse continues on its future, AKAP’s unwavering goal remains clear—to prevent the downward spiral of “near poor” Filipinos and beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) back into the grasp of poverty.
Qualifications
This Ayuda project is intended for Filipinos who are
Minimum wage earners who are at risk of falling below the poverty line due to economic fluctuations such as inflation
Households that have transitioned out of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
Individuals within the “near poor” category, identified as needing a safety net to avoid slipping into poverty
Beneficiaries of social welfare seeking assurance against economic shocks disrupting their livelihoods
How to Apply for AKAP Program and Claim Cash Aid Ayuda
As of the moment, the DSWD has not yet released the official guidelines and procedures for applying to the AKAP program. However, here are some initial steps based on previous government assistance programs:
Check eligibility requirements
Prepare necessary documents
Stay updated on announcements
Coordinate with local government unit (LGU)
Fill out an application form
Submit your application
Wait for confirmation or notification
Claim your assistance
Again, please stay tuned for the official guidelines and procedures from the DSWD to ensure that you have followed the correct process for applying to the AKAP program.
Video: Press Briefing on Announcement of AKAP Project
Here’s a video of the press briefing on the official announcement of the AKAP Program, with DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and other officials providing details and clarifications about the program.
Video: DSWD: ‘AKAP’ is solely dedicated to assisting Filipinos in need, without being diverted to support other initiatives
Here is a video report by ANC news with DSWD spokesperson, ASec Romel Lopez emphasizing that the AKAP program is intended to assist Filipinos in need and not for any other initiative.
Summary
In summary, the Department of Social Welfare and Development has launched the AKAP program, or Ayuda para sa Kapos and Kita Program, to support the “near poor” Filipinos who are at risk of falling back into poverty due to economic shifts. Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the program’s independence from political influences, and members of the legislature have clarified that its budget is allocated solely for the welfare of the beneficiaries, distinct from any constitutional amendments initiative.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is a Philippine government agency providing social protection for the poor, vulnerable, and disadvantaged sectors. Its job is to map out plans, policies, and programs that will help develop social welfare and services. This agency focuses on specific groups such as children and youth, women, families and communities, solo parents, older persons, and Persons with Disabilities (PWD).
One of the programs of DSWD is the Job Portal where Filipinos can find legitimate job posts. The Job Portal provides various job opportunities, job posting updates, and more. Applicants can visit their website at https://jobs.dswd.gov.ph/.
The DSWD Job Portal offers job opportunities to all qualified Filipinos to work in DSWD itself. Inside the job portal, you will see the following:
Job Category. The Job Category is a dropdown menu of the work field. You can easily filter out the field of jobs you want to check by just clicking and choosing the job suitable for you.
Date Posted. In this section, you will see when they post the job. This will help you determine if the job post is already old or new.
Position Title. This section will help you know the exact position they are looking for. If you click the position of your choice, it will redirect you to its Job Summary. In the Job Summary, you will see the following information:
Job Description
Place of Assignment
Place of Examination and Interview
Number of vacant positions
Number of applicants applied for the position
Number of applicants who viewed the post
Qualifications and Requirements
Compensation
Deadline of application
Experience. Most of the job post requires at least one (1) year of experience.
Place of Assignment. Every city has its own DSWD office so check carefully the place of assignment of the job post.
Requirements for the DWSD Jobs
The DSWD is looking for people who are competitive and qualified for the job. These applicants are soon to be government employees so it is only natural that the application requirements and process are strict. Other job positions may require additional requirements but the list that we are going to give you are the primary requirements.
Application Letter. The letter must be personal and comprehensive. In the letter, you must include information such as the position you are applying for (item number/code), salary grade, and the office location. The letter must be addressed to the Director of the Human Resource Management and Development Service.
Resume. Applicants must provide a detailed description of their experience and training. The resume must also have a 2×2 ID picture on it.
Transcript of Record (TOR)/Diploma. The DSWD requires applicants to send proof of their academic credentials.
Relevant Training and Seminars. Applicants may submit certificates of attendance for the training and seminars they have attended.
Individual Performance Contract Rating (IPCR). Internal and external applicants are required to submit the IPCR or equivalent.
Civil Service Eligibility/ PRC License ID/Board Rating. If you are a board passer and a PRC License holder, there is no need to take the Civil Service Exam. But you are not, you have to take and pass the exam.
Certificate of Employment (COE). Applicants must secure and submit the COE for background checking.
NBI or Police Clearance. You may use the receipt as proof of payment if you haven’t received the clearance yet.
Online Application Process
Applying online is the most convenient way of looking for a job because there is no need for you to spend money on traveling, printing resumes and other documents, and it saves time. Applying in the DSWD Job Portal is very easy and here’s how:
Step 2: Choose the Job Category or Position you want and click Show Jobs.
Step 3: Check the list of jobs and click the link of your chosen job position.
Step 4: Read the Job Description and other information written. Make sure you understand and follow the instructions carefully.
The DSWD doesn’t allow walk-in applicants and requires all applicants to apply online. Online applicants must submit their documents in a PDF file format with at least 1MB. If applicants want to submit their application through email, they must follow these instructions:
PDF Documents must be labeled accordingly.
Compress all PDF documents in one file by using RAR or ZIP.
Applicants must use the subject (Surname_Item Number/Code_Office Assignment). For example SMITH_ OSEC-DSWDB-ADOF2-123-2004_SWIDB
Applicants must follow all instructions. Applicants who can not or did not follow will not be entertained. Applicants must also double-check all the documents and information they will submit and the deadline of the application.
Sending your application online is just the beginning of the recruitment process in the DSWD. The recruitment process consists of Initial Screening, Interview, Assessment, Character Reference and Background Checking, and Final Selection. Here are some tips to know more about the process and what to do or expect.
Initial Screening
In the initial screening, the DSWD will evaluate the documents that you have sent them. This part is very important because you need to submit all the documents they require and follow the instructions they ask. Not doing so will cause your application to be rejected automatically. Make sure that you are applying for the right job, have complete and genuine documents, and have followed the instructions on how to submit your application.
Interview
Once you pass the initial interview, you will receive a schedule via text message, call, or email for the interview. The interview could be done in person or via video call. Either way, you must prepare yourself by reviewing your resume and practicing answering interview questions such as ‘Tell me about yourself’, ‘What makes you the best candidate for the job you are applying for?’, or ‘How do you see yourself in 5 years?’. Do some research about the DSWD, the regional office, and the job you are applying for. Knowing the company’s background and values will help you answer the interview questions.
You must also present yourself neatly by wearing professional attire even in video calls. For female applicants, you may want to wear light make-up and tie your hair to keep it tidy. For male applicants, combing your hair and putting a little powder on your face won’t hurt. As the saying goes, dress for the job you want.
Being on time is also important as this will help you have a good impression. Applicants should wait their turn rather than make the employers wait for them.
Assessment
The DSWD may ask you to take tests as part of your application. Applicants will receive an invitation to take examinations such as the Initial Qualifying Test (IQT) or Non-Verbal Test for skilled position and Technical Examination. When the pandemic hit, the DSWD conducted their examination online. However, it may change now since the safe protocols have been lifted. Make sure to check the email or text message from the DSWD to know the venue of the examination.
After the examination, you will be scheduled for a Panel Interview. It is best if you do some research and study about the job you are applying for.
Character Reference and Background Checking
The DSWD conducts character reference and background investigations to make sure that applicants don’t have any shady business and to know more about their work quality and character as a person.
Final Selection
Once you pass all the process, you will receive a notification via text message, call, or email a job offer from the DSWD and follow the instructions from them. The DSWD will also send you a notification if you fail.
The DSWD receives hundreds of applications from all over the country so it may take them a while to get through your application. However, if you want to do a follow-up, you may do so by sending an email. When sending an email, make sure that you will also provide details such as the item number/code and office assignment. This will the evaluator to look for the status of your application.
Summary
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) caters to the needs of the poor and disadvantaged people of the Philippines. They also provide job opportunities to fellow Filipinos and give them a chance to make a living while contributing their knowledge and skills to the Philippine government.
Applicants must follow the steps thoroughly and provide competitive resumes to increase their chances of being hired. They must check the DSWD Job Portal for updates and make sure that they will provide their active emails and phone numbers.
Applying for any government agency can be difficult due to strict requirements and qualifications and stiff competition among applicants, but once you pass, it will all be worth it.
Conditional cash transfers are just one of the programs under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The DSWD is the government agency responsible for providing social protection services to Filipino families in need. The DSWD has various programs that help its beneficiaries, including those who are underprivileged and those living in poverty.
What makes conditional cash transfers unique is that it gives their beneficiaries a chance to improve their lives by providing them with the means to do so. This is done by giving them cash grants and other incentives, depending on how well they perform in specific activities such as health checkups for pregnant women and children below five years old, hence, the term “conditional cash transfers“. To learn more about the DSWD’s CCT program, keep reading below.
What is the DSWD Modified Conditional Cash Transfer Program (CCT)?
The goal of the MCCT Program is to reach out to families who are more vulnerable and poor but are not covered by the regular cash transfer program. This is because they were excluded from the list of households that were targeted by the NHTS or Listahanan.
This program aims to provide financial assistance to children and families the regular CCT does not cover.
Majority of migrant families spend most of their time on the streets since it is how they earn a living. Indigenous people (IP) families are typically seen in urbanized or rural regions. Families with disabled children are those whose children have long-term mental, sensory, or physical impairments that can prevent them from fully participating in society. On the other hand, child laborers work to provide for their families. These include children who work in hazardous conditions and are exposed to child sexual exploitation.
The MCCT seeks to assist homeless, former street children in the transition from living on the street to a more decent dwelling unit; to facilitate access of IPs in GIDA and other FNSPs to health, education and other basic social services; zero deaths among infants and children under five years old; zero deaths among pregnant women under normal conditions; all 3-5 years old children are availing early childhood care and development services; all 6-18 years old children in target areas are in school; and third-degree malnourished children under five years old are rehabilitated.
The Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCT) program is a program that aims to reduce poverty among families living in urban poor communities. This program covers all expenses for the child’s education and nutrition and provides basic health services, if necessary. The MCCT is conditional on school attendance, regular participation in health education activities, and ensuring that children are not employed as laborers by their parents or guardians.
MCCT also aims to return children to school and facilitate their regular attendance, including access to Alternative Delivery Mode and other special learning modes; facilitate access to health and nutrition services through regular visits to health centers; enhance parenting roles through participation in Family Development Sessions (FDS), and reunite children from the streets with their families.
Beneficiaries of the MCCT will receive cash grants if they meet the following conditions: weekly attendance at FDS for the first two months; once a month attendance at FDS and family counseling sessions for the following months; attendance at Alternative mode of learning or formal schools; visits to health centers; and residing in a permanent residence after six months of social preparation.
Benefits
MCCT supplies HSF, IPs in GIDA, and FNSP with financial grants and necessary social welfare measures. In addition, it offers partner-families with additional support services or interventions that enhance their access to health and educational resources until they are ready to be integrated into the normal CCT.
A. Straight Grants
a. Education grant of P300 per month for every beneficiary kid enrolled in daycare, pre-school, and elementary school.
b. Education grant of P500 per month for beneficiary child enrolled in high school.
c. Health grant of P500 per family recipient
Education grants are awarded for each dependent kid, up to a maximum of three, commencing with the youngest and without replacement.
B. Service Support Intervention For HSF
a. Assistance with shelter in the sum of P4,000, which may be provided as early as the first month of membership and for a maximum of 12 months. The lessor receives payments, not the recipient.
b. Access to employment and livelihood possibilities, such as cash-for-work and the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), may be made available to members in their fifth month of membership.
Regarding IP in GIDA
Other incentives may be employed for community-initiated initiatives or activities that generate cash for the community.
Qualifications
Target beneficiaries of MCCT are:
homeless street families,
indigenous peoples in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), and
families in need of special protection (FNSP).
These are called “partner families” in the program.
Requirements
Mainstreaming of MCCT beneficiaries into the Regular CCT shall be determined based upon the assessment of the caseworker/community facilitator given the following criteria:
1. Identified “Poor” by Listahanan based on the result of the Proxy Means Test
2. With eligible members aged 0-18 years old children and/or pregnant member during first monitoring period in the RCCT (eligibility requirement shall follow the existing requirements of the RCCT)
3. ‘Compliance to conditionalities from the last six (6) months before mainstreaming assessment. Active registered families who were assessed as compliant
to the conditionalities of the program as applicable:
• 85% attendance in education services (3-18 yrs. old monitored
children)
• 85% compliance with the availment of health services
85% compliance to FDS
4. Homeless families already staying for at least 3 consecutive months in a safe home or
secured residence.
Note: Succeeding assessment will be conducted on a yearly basis.
They must have children aged 0-18 years old and/or with pregnant member of the family at the time of selection
They must be willing and committed to comply with the program conditionalities and cooperate in the helping process; and
They must be excluded from the NHTS database and the Pantawid Pamilya Program
How to Process DSWD Conditional Cash Transfer
The caseworker, community facilitator, or municipal link will prepare the beneficiaries for the mainstreaming process by providing them with the necessary information and orientation. This will be done through the Family Development Sessions and the mainstreaming modules.
After reviewing the status of the MCCT database, the regional focus with the CMT will then engage in a pre-orientation session to prepare for the mainstreaming process. The Community facilitator or caseworker will facilitate this.
The regional preparation phase involves reviewing the family information and ensuring that all the necessary steps have been completed. This includes the inventory of compliance reporting and payment processing.
The MCCT beneficiaries’ mainstreaming process will begin once the database has been reviewed and the list of them submitted to Listahanan, which will include Segregating the beneficiaries who were part of Lists 1 and 2. Those who were not part of the list will be given extraordinary validation.
Here’s Why Conditional Cash Transfers Work
Critics say that the CCT program could not create jobs or provide adequate health care for the poor. However, the government argues that it has helped improve school attendance and reduce violence in areas plagued by conflict.
The government is planning on spending even more on its flagship program, which aims to improve school attendance and reduce violence in certain areas. By 2015, a quarter of the country’s population is expected to be covered by the program, which is unprecedented in the country’s history. Among the beneficiaries will be the disabled, abandoned children, and those who have been displaced by conflict or calamities.
The success of the cash transfer program has been attributed to its sustained global attention. It started as early as the 1990s in various parts of Latin America and Brazil. The program has been implemented through various permutations in different countries, including metropolitan areas such as New York. Despite the widespread use of these programs, persistent poverty still remains a major issue in many areas.
The concept of cash transfer programs is simple: They provide cash grants to families to help with their children’s education and health needs. These funds are usually given to the families after they meet the government’s requirements. Unlike traditional welfare programs, which were designed to benefit everyone, cash transfer programs are more conservative.
The goal of cash transfer programs is to punish the parents of the poorest families for their failure to provide adequate care for their children. Instead of directly intervening, the State uses this method to monitor the welfare of the children.
Cash transfer programs aim to change the lives of the poor by addressing their root causes. In other words, they are not designed to affect the people who are currently affected by poverty immediately. Instead, they are aimed at addressing the issue in the future.
Similar to other new programs, cash transfer programs have mixed results. As with other initiatives, they need to be re-calibrated and refined to reach their goals. This article will review the state of the cash transfer program in the Philippines. We will also look at its potential shortcomings and examine its applications. In addition, we will talk about the recommendations that policymakers and scholars have made to improve the program.
The 4Ps
Four million poor households are receiving conditional transfers as part of the government’s flagship anti-poverty program, known as the 4Ps.
According to the DSWD’s first quarter report, the 4Ps have been fully covered in all areas of the country. This includes the municipalities, regional, and provincial levels.
The program’s goal is to invest in the country’s human capital by providing financial support to the families of poor children and keeping them in school.
The cash transfers are based on the household’s compliance with these conditions. In the first quarter of this year, the compliance rates for both the health and education components were high. In addition, the percentage of children immunized against diseases has increased significantly.
One of the most significant social challenges that the country faces today is the high number of maternal deaths. Since the CCTs have encouraged women to seek health care before and after childbirth, this has been very important.
According to Dinky Soliman, the former social welfare secretary, women in 4P families are more likely to have at least four prenatal visits. This has resulted in a significant increase in their compliance rate, from 54 percent to 64 percent. An impact evaluation of the program revealed that mothers in these families receive more health care services before and after childbirth.
Apart from helping children, the program also aims to empower parents. Through Family Development Sessions, this component provides them with the necessary tools and resources to look after their kids.
Early success
The 4Ps have been regarded as the country’s biggest social protection program. It is similar to programs in other Latin American countries, such as Mexico’s Oportunidades and Brazil’s Bolsa Familia.
The Bolsa Familia program is one of the most prominent initiatives of Brazil’s economic and social transformation. It was first implemented in 2003. Since then, it has reached over 46 million people.
In the past five years, Brazil has lifted over 22 million people out of extreme poverty. The richest 20% of the country’s population has seen its wealth decline, while the poorest 20% has gained.
In Mexico, the Oportunidades has been credited with reducing the number of illness cases among children enrolled in the program.
Reducing conflict
After five years, the 4Ps have been shown to impact the communities they serve positively. In a study conducted by the University of Denver, researchers noted that the 4Ps helped reduce the incidence of civil conflict in the Philippines.
The study, which was conducted by the Philippine Armed Forces, showed that the number of reported conflicts decreased significantly in the areas where the program was implemented in 2009. This is because the country is home to numerous violent communist and Islamic groups.
The study also noted that cash transfers can help the public trust the government and provide actionable information about insurgents. Also, these transactions increase the risk of insurgents joining them once they become active.
Cash transfers are believed to be more effective in reducing conflict than community-driven development programs. These transactions are less likely to be intercepted and can be carried out without attracting the attention of insurgents. In addition, in-kind and physical aid can increase the number of resources that both parties have available to fight.
A study conducted on Colombia’s version of CCTs revealed that these transactions help increase the number of people enrolled in areas affected by violent conflicts. Like the Philippines, Colombia is also affected by separatist guerilla movements.
Leakage rate
Various international organizations have praised the program for its contribution to improving education and health in the developing world.
Some people are not impressed by the 4Ps. They claim that they are just Band-aids designed to provide temporary social protection.
The IBON Foundation, however, sees the program as a dole-out program that only exacerbates the country’s debt. The Asian Development Bank and the World Bank partially fund the program.
According to IBON, the 4Ps are not sustainable and have minimal impact on reducing poverty. A local urban poor organization, KADAMAY, also claims that despite the huge budget allocated for the program, the CCTs have not improved the lives of the poor.
In February this year, KADAMAY’s leader Carlito Badion said that instead of using the funds allocated for the program to provide CCTs, the government should focus on developing industries that can create jobs for the poor.
Despite the country’s impressive economic growth of 7.8% during the first quarter of this year, the income gap in the Philippines has not decreased. According to the latest statistics from the country’s statistical agency, the poverty incidence has not changed.
A study conducted by the Philippines Institute for Development Studies revealed that the 4Ps had not reached all of their intended beneficiaries. According to the study presented at a recent global development conference, the program has a leakage rate of around 29%.
Only 7.2% of the income poor who were given cash transfers became non-poor. The DSWD uses a combination of methods to identify its beneficiaries. These include geographic targeting and a proxy-meant method known as the NHTS-PR. The municipalities that have high poverty incidence rates are then selected.
The NHTS-PR uses a sliding scale to determine the poor households affected by the program. If a household has a pregnant woman or her children below the age of 14, they are eligible for the program.
The NHTS-PR has estimated that over 5.2 million poor families are in the Philippines. Over 80% of them live in rural areas.
High school completion
According to Reyes, the drop in school enrollment among children from 4P families is significant. This is because the kids from these families are no longer eligible for cash transfers.
According to a study conducted by the Public Interest Data Systems, the school attendance rate for 4P families drops dramatically as children grow older.
There is no substantial difference in school attendance between children from 4P and non–4P families.
In a previous policy paper, Reyes noted that the Philippines’ version of the cash transfer program is similar to that of other Latin American countries. For instance, in Mexico, the Oportunidades provides cash assistance to students until they reach the age of 22. It also provides economic incentives to graduates who finish high school before the age of 22.
In Brazil, the Bolsa Familia provides greater financial assistance to adolescents than to children. It also covers them until they reach the age of 17 years old.
He noted that the program should focus on high school instead of elementary completion since there are better job opportunities for graduates from this level of education.
According to a study conducted by Dr. Celia Reyes of the PIDS (Philippine Institute for Development Studies), graduates of high school in the Philippines earn about 45% more than those who have only attended elementary school. This suggests that the 4Ps can benefit from the program by investing in human capital.
Boys left behind
Many boys from the poorest families leave the school system early to help their families earn more money. During a Global Development Conference held in 2015, it was widely agreed that income disparity is one of the most significant factors that prevent people from achieving full development. A study by Alejandro Hoyos and Hugo opo on the Latin American experience revealed that over a decade of investments in community development projects (CCTs) have significantly reduced inequality in the region.
It was also revealed that even though the number of people living in poverty had decreased, it had not always been reduced. This is due to various factors, such as the deteriorating standard of education.
According to a report by the World Bank, the increasing number of boys from the lowest socioeconomic groups leaving schools to look for work or join gangs is a major issue that needs to be addressed.
The report also noted that in 2011, more boys than girls dropped out of school. Around six out of every ten teenagers were working instead of studying.
This issue has to be addressed in the country, as it may well happen in the near future. One of the most effective ways to address this issue is by implementing programs that provide different levels of support for different age groups. For instance, instead of giving a monthly payment of P300 for each child, the government should provide more support to help children finish high school.
Future plans: Modified CCTs
According to the program, it should focus on providing aid for five to ten years instead of the usual two to three. This would allow the beneficiaries to finish high school.
According to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, the government is considering extending the program’s grant to ensure the beneficiaries finish high school. This would allow them to get more employment opportunities.
Aside from increasing the number of beneficiaries, the government is also planning to extend the program’s coverage. One of the ways to do this is through a modified conditional cash transfer (MCCT). This method will allow the government to provide aid to families that have been affected by conflicts and calamities.
The children who are considered for inclusion in the program are those who have various forms of disability. They may have been abandoned or forced to work.
The DSWD’s NHTO has started a validation program to address the leakage rate. This involves validating the poor households in each area. The list is then posted in prominent locations in the community to encourage the public to react if they see an incorrect family.
Staff members of the NHTO then receive complaints and queries. These are then forwarded to a local verification committee, which handles these appeals and complaints.
As the Philippines pursues the Millennium Development Goals, it is now more important that the government focuses on bringing development to all sectors of the society. Long-term returns on human capital investment will not be seen immediately. Therefore, it is important to remember that CCTs serve as a social investment.
According to the National Statistics Board, the government needs to allocate about P180 billion annually for the implementation of its poverty-reduction program. This year’s allotment has increased to P44. billion.
Despite the government’s financial constraints, the 4Ps have been able to make significant progress in improving the quality of education and addressing various social issues.
The 4Ps are expected to cover around 28 million poor Filipinos in 2015. This is a quarter of the country’s population and the largest number of people covered under a social protection program in history. Even as the economy grows, we must continue to ensure that the poor are not left behind.
Video: In numbers: The conditional cash transfer program | ANC
Here’s a report on where the DSWD’s Conditional Cash Transfer law has effectively improved families’ lives. The report also highlights areas where it can do better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the DSWD’s modified conditional cash transfer program.
1. Why is it called “modified”?
This strategy is modified because it combines CCT and various conditionalities. These modifications include the implementation of different modes of action and the targeting of benefits.
2. Who are considered “families in need of special protection”?
FNSPs are individuals who have been displaced due to armed conflicts or natural disasters. They are usually placed in temporary shelters or evacuation centers.
3. What is the coverage of the MCCT?
The implementation of the MCCT has affected 3,774 street families and over 100,000 families in IPGIDA. Similarly, over 51,824 families have been affected by the FNSP.
4. What are the objectives of the MCCT Program?
MCCT seeks to:
• Assist HSF in the transition from living in the streets to a more decent dwelling unit;
• Facilitate access of HSF, IPs in GIDA and other FNSP to health, education and other basic social services;
• Zero deaths among infants and children, and children under five years old;
• Zero deaths among pregnant women under normal conditions;
• Ensure all 3-5 years old children are availing of early childhood care and development
services;
• Ensure all 6-18 years old children in target areas are in school;
• Ensure third-degree malnourished children under five years of age are rehabilitated.
5. What are the obligations of the partner family under the MCCT?
Attendance to school either in formal or by Alternative Delivery Mode of Learning
Availment of health care services in accordance with the Department of Health (DOH) protocols
Attendance to Family Development Sessions
Summary
The DSWD has adopted a very promising approach to address the needs of the most vulnerable sector in our society. It is a holistic approach that not only provides direct services to indigent families but also helps them overcome poverty and achieve self-reliance. The MCCT is one of DSWD’s programs that seeks to transform lives by empowering families towards economic independence.
We hope this article has helped you better understand the program. If you have any questions or concerns, please leave them in your comments below or visit the DSWD’s official website for further information.
