President Marcos Pushes for Homeless Families to Benefit from 4Ps Program
Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has strongly advocated for the inclusion of homeless families in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), commonly known as the conditional cash transfer program. This call was made on Monday, July 28, 2025, highlighting the administration’s commitment to addressing poverty and ensuring social safety nets for vulnerable populations.
During his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Marcos emphasized the need to expand the program's reach to encompass those living on the streets and in informal settlements. He argued that homeless families face unique challenges and are often excluded from traditional social assistance programs due to difficulties in registration and verification.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that no Filipino family is left behind,” President Marcos stated. “The 4Ps has proven to be an effective tool in alleviating poverty and improving the well-being of Filipino families. We must now extend this benefit to our homeless brothers and sisters, who are among the most vulnerable in our society.”
The 4Ps program provides cash grants to eligible families on the condition that they send their children to school and avail of regular health check-ups. The program aims to break the cycle of poverty by investing in human capital and empowering families to improve their living conditions.
Challenges and Implementation
The proposal to include homeless families in the 4Ps program presents several logistical and administrative challenges. Identifying and registering homeless individuals can be difficult, and ensuring compliance with the program's conditions may require innovative approaches. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is currently exploring strategies to overcome these hurdles.
One proposed solution involves partnering with local government units (LGUs) and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to conduct outreach programs and facilitate registration. Mobile registration units and community-based verification processes may also be implemented to reach homeless families in various locations.
Furthermore, the government is considering adjusting the program's conditions to accommodate the unique circumstances of homeless families. This may include providing access to temporary shelter, livelihood training, and other support services to help them become self-sufficient.
Expert Reactions and Public Support
The President’s call has been met with widespread support from various sectors of society. Poverty advocates praised the initiative as a significant step towards addressing the root causes of homelessness. Economists noted that investing in homeless families could have a positive impact on the economy by boosting consumer spending and reducing crime rates.
“This is a welcome development,” said Dr. Maria Santos, a social development expert. “Homelessness is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach. Including homeless families in the 4Ps program is a crucial component of a comprehensive strategy to combat poverty and promote social inclusion.”
The move is expected to further strengthen the 4Ps program and solidify the Marcos administration's commitment to social justice and poverty alleviation. It also underscores the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized populations and ensuring that all Filipinos have the opportunity to live a decent and dignified life.
The DSWD is expected to release detailed guidelines and timelines for the implementation of the expanded 4Ps program in the coming weeks. The government is committed to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure the program’s success and its positive impact on the lives of homeless families across the Philippines.
