Graduating 4Ps beneficiaries still face challenges

MANILA, Philippines — Some 1.8 million households set to graduate from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps continue to face challenges in securing safe and permanent homes, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said yesterday.

As part of its effort to support households transitioning out of the 4Ps, DSWD and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) discussed a possible collaboration on housing assistance for eligible beneficiaries.

At a meeting on Thursday, the agencies aimed to explore coordinated approaches in providing decent and affordable housing for the 4Ps households.

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian welcomed the exploratory talks and affirmed the agency’s commitment to share relevant data through a formal Data Sharing Agreement, which both agencies agreed to finalize by June 24.

The data will enable DHSUD to design and deploy suitable housing modalities based on the profiles and locations of the beneficiaries.

Human Settlements Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said that DHSUD currently has 2,000 available housing units that may be accessed by DSWD-identified households.

He also said a temporary housing facility in Pasay City is available and may serve as immediate shelter support for families in need.