Manila, Philippines — The Expanded 4Ps Bill, which aims to extend government assistance to the poorest Filipino families in the country, has been approved on its third and final reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill provides beneficiaries with a clear pathway toward better livelihood, health, and education.
Under House Bill 8647, also known as the Strengthening and Expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program Act, the monthly cash assistance for elementary, junior high, and senior high school students who are members of the 4Ps will be increased.
Parents will also undergo mandatory skills training in entrepreneurship and livelihood, giving them the opportunity to have their own sources of income.
The bill also covers the First 1,000 Days, providing additional support to pregnant women and infants from conception until birth.
Social workers will closely monitor 4Ps members to ensure that the government assistance helps them rise out of poverty.
According to a post shared by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, more than 1.4 million families nationwide have graduated from the program and have been lifted out of poverty.
Alongside the Expanded 4Ps Bill, the National Land Use Act was also approved by the House of Representatives.
This law aims to ensure a more organized and long-term plan for proper land use in the country.
For example, it provides clear guidelines for separating land for agriculture, housing, and infrastructure, and identifies areas that must be preserved for environmental protection.
It also prevents excessive land use, particularly in areas that are rich in natural resources.
Local governments will also be required to have clear plans for urban farming and other initiatives.
Both bills received 224 votes in favor, 3 against, and 0 abstentions from lawmakers.
These two measures are also part of the important Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) bills, which the House has prioritized for passage.