QUEZON CITY -- In line with its efforts to update the list of its flagship programs, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Erwin T. Tulfo announced that the agency will open its offices even on Saturdays and Sundays, if necessary, to give way to individuals and families who seek to be part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). 

“Bubuksan natin ang mga gate ng DSWD” (We will open the gates of DSWD), said Secretary Tulfo. This initiative aims to accommodate single parents, poor households, farmers, fishermen, and individuals who wish to be included in the 4Ps, the Secretary added.

Currently, the National Household Targeting Office (NHTO) is drafting the guidelines for the On-Demand Application (ODA) to specifically include those who were not covered by the Listahanan 3 enumeration, giving preferential attention to the marginalized and most vulnerable sector of our society. 

Meanwhile, the schedule for the application and other significant details are yet to be announced as the guidelines is still being finalized by NHTO. 

Only ‘poor’ households are eligible for 4Ps grants

The Department, however, clarified that the names of individuals and families who will enroll themselves are still subject to validation and verification by DSWD personnel to determine if they are classified ‘poor’ based on the tools used by the standardized targeting system or Listahanan.

Listahanan is the basis of the Department in selecting qualified household-beneficiaries for 4Ps, pursuant to Rule V of the program’s Implementing Rules and Regulations or the Selection of Qualified Households and Criteria for Eligibility.

The Department emphasized that enrolled households during the On-Demand Application (ODA) have no guarantee to be automatically included in the program as they will undergo further evaluation and should meet the eligibility set by 4Ps. 

List of graduating 4Ps subject to further validation

Meanwhile, Secretary Tulfo explained that the list of graduating/exiting households that will be coming from the 4Ps parent leaders will undergo validation and cross-matching with the Department’s database, and with the results of the Listahanan 3. 

“Iko-compare po natin ang listahan nila [parent leaders] sa listahan ng 4Ps to make sure na lahat ng aalisin natin ay talagang makatatayo na sa kanilang mga paa” (We will compare the list of graduating members from 4Ps parent leaders with our list to make sure that members who will be removed are already self-sufficient/non-poor households), Secretary Tulfo clarified.

It can be recalled that the Secretary earlier directed the 4Ps-National Program Management Office (4Ps-NPMO) to ensure that all municipal and city links, including 4Ps parent leaders, will submit case folders of their assigned household-beneficiaries to check the status of their living conditions.

The Department, through the direction of Secretary Tulfo, assured the seamless implementation of 4Ps so that more eligible poor families will be assisted in their overall health, nutrition, and education. (DSWD)