World Bank cites 4Ps as a successful conditional cash transfer program

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program popularly called the 4Ps has been cited by the World Bank as a successful conditional cash transfer (CCT) program aimed at reducing poverty.

The 4Ps in the Philippines and China's Urban Di Bao program were examples of successful CCT programs cited by the World Bank's Expanding Opportunities for the Urban Poor report.

"In the Philippines, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino conditional cash transfer program has helped alleviate poverty for millions of households, with targeted interventions for many urban residents," the World Bank said in the report released on Tuesday.

"They receive support in health care, education, case management, housing, employment (cash for work), skills training, psychological counseling, livelihoods assistance, and referral services," the World Bank said.

The 4Ps is a key anti-poverty program which began during the administration of then-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Its beneficiaries receive financial assistance as long as they comply with such conditions as having regular medical check-ups and sending their children to school.

The World Bank noted the program was modified in 2012 to focus particularly on urban poor, including homeless street families, indigenous people, and those displaced by disaster.

The government expanded the program in December 2016 to reach 20 million Filipinos or 4.4 million households equivalent to 20 percent of the population.

"A study estimates that the program has led to a poverty reduction of 1.4 percentage points per year or 1.5 million less poor Filipinos," the World Bank said. — VDS, GMA News