By Liza Soriano
SENATOR Alan Peter Cayetano has renewed his call to review the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), citing concerns over the persistent issue of child stunting in the Philippines.
Following the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) hearing on the proposed 2025 budget, Cayetano pointed out that despite the program’s goals, one-third of Filipino children still suffer from stunted growth due to malnutrition.
“If the 4Ps is meant to ensure that children have enough to eat to prevent malnutrition, and if the 4Ps is designed to support the poorest of the poor, why is one-third of Filipino children still stunted?” he said.
The government is seeking P114 billion for the 4Ps next year, an increase of P8 billion from this year’s budget, but Cayetano questioned whether the program is effectively addressing hunger and malnutrition.
“There’s a disconnect between the policy, the funding, and the actual results. Are we falling short with 4Ps?” he asked.
Moreover, Cayetano emphasized that the DSWD should not only monitor compliance but also assess whether the program is genuinely improving children’s nutrition.
“The first priority should be ensuring these kids aren’t going to school hungry,” he stated.
