THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is seeking a proposed budget of some P270 billion for 2027, with the largest allocations intended for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS).
The proposed funding will enable the department to further strengthen the country’s social protection programs in line with the priorities outlined by President Marcos in his fifth State of the Nation Address, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a radio interview.
Gatchalian said approximately P100 billion of the proposed budget would be allocated to 4Ps. The allocation reflects the government’s sustained investment in education, health, and nutrition to help Filipino families achieve self-sufficiency.
‘I saw the preliminary draft, and we are pleased because it reflects what we requested. Of the DSWD’s P260 billion to P270 billion budget, around P100 billion is immediately allocated to 4Ps. This is an important investment in human capital that helps lift our fellow Filipinos out of poverty. To date, 1.6 million families have graduated from 4Ps. That represents the number of families we have helped move out of poverty,’ Gatchalian said.
Another significant portion of the proposed budget, estimated at P30 billion to P60 billion, will support AICS.
‘The next largest allocation normally ranges from P30 billion to P60 billion, depending on subsequent amendments. This amount supports AICS, which provides financial assistance to people in crisis,’ Gatchalian explained.
He emphasized that AICS is available not only to low-income families but also to Filipinos from other economic groups who may suddenly require government assistance.
The remaining portion of the proposed budget will fund other DSWD social protection initiatives, including the Walang Gutom Program, Pag-abot Program, Project Aruga, and child protection services.
Beyond financial assistance, the DSWD chief said the remaining portion of the proposed budget will support the department’s other social protection programs, including the Walang Gutom Program (WGP), Pag-abot Program, Project Aruga, and child protection initiatives.
‘The balance will support our other programs, such as the Walang Gutom food stamp initiative, the Pag-abot Program for people living on the streets, and Project Aruga for families caring for children with special needs. It will also help strengthen families and protect children through financial assistance and psychosocial and emotional interventions,’ Gatchalian said.
The DSWD is also intensifying its efforts to help Filipino families address emerging challenges associated with the digital age. These efforts include the Parent Effectiveness Service under the Department’s protective services programs and the Family Development Sessions under 4Ps.
‘As the world and technology continue to evolve, our children are increasingly exposed to sexualized and violent content online, as the president mentioned. The DSWD is, therefore, expanding the implementation of Parent Effectiveness Sessions, which help parents better understand and perform their responsibilities at home. After all, parents are their children’s first teachers,’ the secretary said.
Gatchalian also announced that the department plans to establish five additional regional residential facilities to improve rehabilitation services for children in conflict with the law.’