4Ps to include 4,654 more families in 2012

VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 13, (PIA) -- A total of 4,654 families will be added to the 5,126 families already under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4ps) in the Conditional Cash Transfer program starting next year.

The families were from the seven municipalities who were not included in the said program since late 2010.

The areas to be covered in 2012, subject to approval of the National Budget by Congress are Baras, 767; Gigmoto, 455; Panganiban 549; San Miguel, 774; and San Andres, 2,109. The said municipalities have poverty incidence ranging from 36.97% to 32.85%, above the cut off figure of 30.5%.

The remaining areas to be covered are Bato, 3,349; and Virac, 1,610, with poverty incidence of 28.97% and 22.79% respectively.

Since 2010, a total of 5,126 families from selected barangays in Bagamanoc, Caramoran, Pandan and Viga have been receiving amounts ranging from P9,000 to P15,000 from Land Bank of the Philippines Local Branch under the program.

The inclusion of the remaining towns was made possible by Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento who had been communicating with Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman.

Under the Conditional Cash Transfer program, a beneficiary household receives P6,000 a year or P500 per month for health and nutrition, P3,000 for one school year or 10 months or P300 per month per child for a maximum of three children or a total of P1,400 per month or P15,000 yearly as long as they comply with the conditions set by the program.

Beneficiaries have been thankful for the support of the government and for the efforts of Cong. Sarmiento as well. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)