Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Tuesday said the government remains committed to lifting poor families out of poverty as the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading a measure strengthening and expanding the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
In a 224–3 vote with zero abstentions, the chamber approved House Bill No. 8647, or the proposed Patuloy ang Pagtawid sa Pamilyang Pilipino Act, to enhance and expand the 4Ps in response to the needs of low-income households.
The lawmaker from Isabela said strengthening the 4Ps is critical to breaking intergenerational poverty and ensuring that gains in social protection are not reversed.
“Our objective is to make a good program better. As our countrymen face more challenges, they will need more support. That is why we need to strengthen, expand, and improve the 4Ps,” Dy said.
“Support for countrymen who are most in need continues, and we are fulfilling the promise of stronger and broader support for millions of Filipino families,” he said in Filipino.
The bill amends Republic Act No. 11310 to expand coverage, enhance benefits, and improve the delivery of the government’s conditional cash transfer program, aiming to make 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 families sustained access to education, health services, and basic support. He also expressed confidence that the expanded program will help secure a more inclusive and resilient future for Filipino families.
READ: House OKs 4Ps amendments on 3rd reading
He added that the measure is part of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council priority agenda, underscoring 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 ensuring that support for the poorest Filipinos is not only sustained but strengthened and made more responsive to their needs,” he said in Filipino.
“The 4Ps is not merely assistance. It is an investment in the future of every Filipino family. For every child who is able to go to school, for every family that gains access to health services, and for every household given the chance to rise—that is the true measure of this program’s success,” he added.
“And through this measure, we ensure continuous support—not only to get by, but to move toward a more stable, orderly, and dignified future.”
