A House representative has filed a bill to increase cash grants under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for nearly four million beneficiaries. The measure aims to adjust aid amid rising costs of food and basic needs. It includes hikes in school, health, and new nutrition allowances.
In Manila, House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan filed House Bill 120 to amend Republic Act 11310, the 2019 law that institutionalized the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) as a permanent social protection and human capital development initiative. Co-authored by fellow 4Ps party-list Rep. JC Abalos, the bill aims to adjust cash grants to 'more realistic levels amid the rising cost of food and other basic necessities,' Libanan said.
Under HB 120, the grant per child in daycare and elementary would rise to at least P500 per month for a maximum of 10 months per year, up from at least P300. For junior high school, it would increase to at least P700 per month, from P500. Senior high school grants would go to at least P900 per month, from P700. The health grant would be raised to at least P1,800 per month for 12 months, from P750. A new 'food and nutrition' grant of at least P600 per month for 12 months would also be introduced.
The 4Ps currently serves nearly four million beneficiaries from the poorest families. About P113 billion has been allotted for the program in the proposed 2026 budget.