Senator Jinggoy Estrada has filed a measure seeking to expand the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and increase cash grants to ensure that the government’s flagship anti-poverty initiative remains responsive to the needs of Filipino families.

In a news release Thursday, Estrada said inflation has eroded the value of 4Ps grants and exposed gaps in program implementation, prompting the need for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach under Senate Bill 1487, or the proposed Expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (E4Ps) Act.

“Millions of Filipinos have already benefited from the 4Ps, but the cash grants and mechanisms that sustain the program have not kept up with inflation and present realities,” he said. “Through this bill, we want to make sure that the program continues to empower – not just assist – our most vulnerable sectors.”

A 2024 study by the Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department showed that the real value of 4Ps grants declined by about 30 percent since 2019.

Senate Bill 1487 proposes a PHP200 to PHP250 increase in grant amounts, new conditional cash grant provisions, and a mandatory yearly review and adjustment based on inflation.

Key reforms under the bill include extending household coverage from seven to 10 years for families who remain poor after the regular program cycle; raising the maximum age of eligible child-beneficiaries from 18 to 22; including households with undernourished children aged 0 to 6; and prioritizing “food poor” families in beneficiary selection.

Estrada also pushed for adult education as an added program condition, recognizing the need to equip parents and adult household members with skills that support long-term livelihood.

Adult beneficiaries may enroll in Alternative Learning System classes or take entrepreneurship and skills training through TESDA, supported by a community mobilization grant to cover meals and transportation. (PNA)