By Lane Afable, News Editor
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III said the government remains committed to lift poor families out of poverty as the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading the measure strengthening and expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
In a 224–3 vote with zero abstentions, the chamber on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved House Bill No. 8647, or the proposed “Patuloy ang Pagtawid sa Pamilyang Pilipino Act,” to enhance and expand 4Ps in response to the needs of low-income households.
The Speaker from Isabela said that strengthening 4Ps is critical to breaking intergenerational poverty and ensuring that gains in social protection are not reversed.
He stressed that “our objective is to make a good program better. As our countrymen confront more challenges, the more help they will need. Kaya kailangan nating palakasin, palawakin at pagbutihin ang 4Ps.”
“Tuloy ang pagtawid para sa ating mga kababayan na higit na nangangailangan, at tinutupad natin ang pangako ng mas matibay at mas pinalawak na suporta para sa milyun-milyong pamilyang Pilipino.”
The bill amends Republic Act No. 11310 to expand coverage, enhance benefits, and improve the delivery of the government’s conditional cash transfer program, with the goal of making assistance more responsive amid rising costs and economic pressures.
Dy said the measure reinforces the government’s long-term investment in human capital by ensuring that families have sustained access to education, health care, and basic support. He likewise expressed confidence that the expanded program will help secure a more inclusive and resilient future for Filipino families.
He added that the measure forms part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) priority agenda, highlighting the administration’s focus on strengthening social protection and investing in the country’s most vulnerable sectors.
“This is about continuity, stability and dignity. We are making sure that support for the poorest Filipinos is not only sustained but strengthened and made more responsive to their needs,” he said.
“Ang 4Ps ay hindi lamang ayuda. Ito ay puhunan sa kinabukasan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino. Sa bawat batang napapaaral, sa bawat pamilyang nagkakaroon ng access sa serbisyong pangkalusugan, at sa bawat tahanang nabibigyan ng pagkakataong makabangon—iyan ang tunay na sukatan ng tagumpay ng programang ito,” he added.
“At sa pamamagitan ng panukalang ito, tinitiyak natin na tuloy-tuloy ang pagtawid—hindi lamang para makaahon, kundi para makatawid tungo sa isang mas matatag, mas maayos, at mas marangal na kinabukasan.”
