When do 4Ps Beneficiaries Exit or “Graduate” from the Program?

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has been the flagship poverty-alleviation program of the Philippine government for many years now. This program provides conditional cash transfers to low-income households, with the aim of improving their economic status, while supporting their children’s health and education.

In accordance with the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the 4Ps Law, a beneficiary household that is assessed to be “non poor” shall graduate or exit from the program. This article focuses on the reasons/conditions for “graduating” from the 4Ps, the graduation/exit process itself, and what happens afterwards.

Reasons for Graduating or Exiting from 4Ps

What are the reasons/conditions for a 4Ps beneficiary household to graduate or exit from the program? Based on Rule XV Section 35 of the 4Ps Law’s rules and regulations, here are the reasons:

• The household has reached its seven-year limit in the program;
• The last monitored child in the household has reached 18 years old;
• The last monitored child in the household has completed high school;
• The household has reached Level III (Self-Sufficient) based on Social Welfare Development Indicators (SWDI);
• The household is voluntarily withdrawing from the program; or
• The household has committed a violation resulting in its “delisting” or removal from the program.

Infographic

For better understanding, here is an infographic that lists the above reasons, written in Filipino language:

How are 4Ps Beneficiaries Assessed?

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) conducts a regular assessment of 4Ps beneficiaries. Using Social Welfare and Development Indicators (SWDI) as a tool, they take a look at the beneficiary’s housing structure and materials, access to water and electricity, ownership of assets, and other indicators.

In the other words, the SWDI helps to evaluate the status and well-being of 4Ps beneficiaries.

Different Levels of Well-being

What are the different levels of well-being? Using the SWDI tool, each 4Ps household beneficiary is classified into these levels: Level I (Survival), Level II (Subsistence), and Level III (Self-Sufficient).

Here is a description of the characteristics for each level:

Level I (Survival)

These refer to households that are considered to be “the poorest of the poor.” They usually have no income, nor do they have the means (e.g. employment and education) to buy their basic needs and sustain these on a daily basis. They need cash assistance, along with employment assistance, plus access to free education and free health care facilities.

Level II (Subsistence)

These households have minimal income and barely meet their basic living necessities. They have no extra income for savings or building emergency funds. They need employment assistance or extra livelihood for additional income.

Level III (Self-Sufficient)

These households have enough income and resources in meeting the needs of all household members. They are able to support and sustain the family’s needs, while having extra income for savings, building emergency funds, and making additional investments.

NOTE: Beneficiaries that have achieved Level III (Self-Sufficient) for two (2) consecutive SWDI assessments shall be recommended for “graduation” or exit from the 4Ps program. The Case Manager shall make a Social Case Study Report (SCSR), recommending the household for graduation.

Upon approval by the DSWD Regional Director, the household will undergo the Exit Procedure and will be endorsed to the Local Government Unit (LGU) for post services.

“Pugay Tagumpay” Graduation Ceremony

All household beneficiaries that are eligible for “graduation” shall undergo a “transitioning orientation” as well as a series of Family Development Sessions (FDS). During these sessions, the Case Manager will explain the progress indicators achieved by the household, and the reasons for recommending them for graduation.

Eventually, the graduating household will participate in a “Pugay Tagumpay” ceremony, where they will officially graduate or exit from the program. This ceremony celebrates their success and resiliency as a household.

During the “Pugay Tagumpay” ceremony, each beneficiary will received a “Certificate of Self-Sufficient Household.” They will also be formally endorsed to their respective LGUs for post-service interventions such as livelihood training, scholarships, etc.

What Happens After Graduation from 4Ps?

As mentioned earlier, 4Ps beneficiaries who have graduated form the program shall continue to receive support — this time from their respective LGUs.

“The exiting 4Ps beneficiaries will be formally endorsed to their respective local governments, along with their case folders, to serve as guide for the Local Social Welfare and Development Office in implementing programs and services that the families may need,” stated former DSWD Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Romel Lopez, as cited in a press release.

“The endorsement process takes place during the Pugay Tagumpay Graduation Ceremonies organized by DSWD, in partnership, with the local government,” he added.

The LGU shall provide the necessary services and interventions, so that the graduated 4Ps beneficiaries can sustain their status and level of well-being. Six (6) months to one year after graduation, the LGU shall provide a Feedback Report, describing the latest status ot the households and the interventions given to them.

Violations Resulting in Removal from 4Ps

What if a 4Ps beneficiary was removed from the program because of a violation? Please note that the process of removal does not happen overnight; rather, there is a procedure to be followed.

“Should the qualified household beneficiary so notified persist in not complying with the conditions within a period of one (1) year since the day of the receipt of the written notification, the household-beneficiary shall be removed from the program,” according to Section 12 of Republic Act 11310, or the act that institutionalized the 4Ps program.

As you can see, the beneficiaries will be given one (1) year to comply with the conditions of the program. But first, let us take a look the process, step-by-step:

1. Receipt of Notice

Household beneficiaries are regularly monitored. If they have been found to be unable to comply with the program’s conditions within two (2) months, they will receive a “Notice of Failure to Comply.”

2. Evaluation Period

A one-year evaluation period shall start after the household receives the notice. At this point, the City or Municipal Link shall conduct “case management.” Under this case, if the household is able to comply with the program’s conditions, they may continue to be part of the program.

However, if the household is still unable to comply with the conditions after four (4) months, they will undergo “intensive case management.” At this point, the City or Municipal Link will try to seek solutions regarding the family’s inability to comply.

After six (6) months, the City or Municipal Link shall conduct an “evaluation checkpoint.” If the family is seen to comply with the program’s conditions, they will receive an “Encouragement Letter.” On other hand, if they are still unable to comply, they will receive a “Warning Letter” instead.

3. Removal from the Program

If the family is still unable to comply to the conditions of the program after a one-year evaluation period, it indicates their unwillingness to continue — and they will eventually be removed from the program.

NOTE: As you can see, becoming a member of the 4Ps should be taken seriously. Since it is a “conditional cash transfer” type of program, beneficiaries should remember that they need to follow certain conditions if they want to receive support and assistance.

Final Thoughts

Successful graduation from the 4ps program indicates that a household has attained self-sufficiency. Over the years, thousands of beneficiaries have graduated from the program — showing that 4Ps continues to be effective in uplifting the lives of many Filipinos.

Speaking of graduation, many 4Ps beneficiaries have not only finished school, but went on to achieve great success. One of these is a former beneficiary who recently topped the board exam for teachers. Check out this article and read about her inspiring story!