CEBU, Philippines - People need help.
So said Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Chairperson Loreta Rosales in defending the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) which was criticized by one mayor, who said that the program’s beneficiaries have become lazy.
“Actually 4Ps is a welfare project. We really need that. The government must provide a certain program that provides for the very, very poor,” she said.
Critics, Rosales cited, had said that with the project, the government just keep on giving without empowering the poor.
But Rosales said through education they can empower the lives of the people.
Mayor Annabelle Tangson, president of Lady Municipal Mayors Association of the Philippines, said beneficiaries of the 4Ps have to meet certain qualifications.
In their municipality in Aurora Province, Tangson said whoever violates the conditions laid down in the program can be kicked out.
Education and health concerns of the students are covered by the 4Ps.
In their municipality, she said, no one is seen having a drinking session in the street because they are members of 4Ps. She added it’s not easy to become a member of the 4Ps because of the conditions set. (FREEMAN)