Board backs 4Ps project

MEMBERS of the Provincial Board in Negros Oriental pledged to support the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The 4Ps is a poverty alleviation program of the National Government through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) that gives a conditional cash grant to qualified beneficiary household.

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Each household is given P500 per month for health and P300 per month for every qualified child with a maximum of three children per household, according to DSWD 7' 4Ps program coordinator Asela Bella-Tse.

The set conditions of the program includes pregnant women getting pre- and post-natal care and be attended during childbirth by skilled health personnel; mothers must attend responsible parenthood sessions, mothers' classes and parent effectiveness seminars; children 0-5 years old must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; children aged 3-5 years old must attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85 percent of the time; children 6-14 years old must enroll in elementary or high school and attend at least 85 percent of the time, and children 6-14 years old must receive de-worming pills twice a year.

Vice Governor Roel Degamo told Sun.Star that the program is beneficial and important to children that help them to improve their health and school performance.

More than P28 million is currently being given out to beneficiaries in Bayawan City, Sta. Catalina and Siaton for their first quarter cash grant release.

Degamo, a son of Siaton, witnessed the ceremonial giving of cash grant for the beneficiaries of Barangay Bonawon, this town on July 21.

In his inspirational message to more than 600 beneficiaries, Degamo said that being a vice governor, his duties and responsibilities is to continue easy access of government services to everybody especially to those in less fortunate children.

A day before the turnover of cash grant in Siaton, the DSWD conducted orientation to the members of the Provincial Board held at the PB's Session Hall of the Legislative Building in Dumaguete City, since they would compose the Provincial Advisory Council, a venue where grievances concerning 4Ps shall be addressed.

It was part of a marathon orientation to newly elected officials in identified 4Ps areas starting with the 3rd District of Negros Oriental where updates of implementation and initial gains of the project were also being reported.

PB member Rotelio Lumjod, on the other hand, offered help for the continuation of project.

Board Member Estacion meanwhile acknowledged the initial gains of the program in the municipality of La Libertad and with proper guidance.

"4Ps beneficiaries can indeed cross the threshold of poverty to a better tomorrow," said Estacion.

Estacion, a doctor of medicine by profession, is La Libertad's former municipal health officer. (Victor L. Camion)