By Junex Doronio
MANILA — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced plans on Saturday (June 29, 2024) to adjust cash grants under the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in response to ongoing inflation in the Philippines and globally.
The adjustments, aimed at the conditional cash transfer program (CCTP), will be determined based on parameters set by the National Economic and Development Authority and the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.
DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao emphasized that these adjustments will be discussed among member agencies of the National Advisory Committee, bypassing the need for congressional amendments.
In May, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported a 3.9% rise in consumer goods and services prices for the fourth consecutive month.
“We will base our adjustment actions on relevant, reliable, and timely policy research,” Dumlao stated during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
Meanwhile, the DSWD has launched an investigation into reported aid deductions in Cagayan de Oro City.
Dumlao assured the public that the agency will thoroughly investigate the incident, treating it as an isolated case unless further complaints arise.
“We must gather all details of this incident to conduct a thorough investigation,” she stressed. “While there is only one complaint regarding this issue, we cannot generalize its occurrence across the entire region.”
According to reports, a local official’s coordinator allegedly deducted P9,300 from a P10,000 financial assistance meant for three beneficiaries of the DSWD’s Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) in Cagayan de Oro City.
Dumlao reiterated the agency’s stance against such deductions, warning against any attempts to defraud AICS beneficiaries.
(el Amigo/mnm)
