Livelihood capital under 4Ps eyed

A PHILIPPINE Senator on Sunday said that he is pushing for beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to receive livelihood capital instead of monthly stipends.

“Even some 4Ps members themselves, they would rather have livelihood capital instead of monthly cash transfer,” Senator Erwin T. Tulfo said in a statement.

Mr. Tulfo, who also heads the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, said that his recommendation can lessen the alleged abuse seen in the government program.

“If we give them capital, they can use it to start businesses and contribute to the economy. We can provide them enough funds to start a sari-sari store, an eatery, or even engage in online selling,” he added.

Mr. Tulfo said that low wage earners like security guards, janitors, or house helpers should also receive government subsidies.

The 4Ps program is the government’s national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program that provides conditional cash transfer to poor households. — Adrian H. Halili