Conditional cash transfer program reaches 2 million beneficiaries

MANILA, Philippines – The beneficiaries of the P21-billion conditional cash transfer (CCT) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development have already reached two million, boosting the anti-poverty agenda of the Aquino administration. Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda described the development as a “milestone” in government efforts to help the poorest of the poor.

Beneficiaries of the program are required to send their children to school and have them undergo regular medical checkup.

The two millionth recipient – Sharon Hassan Dabbang of Baranggay Patikul, Sulu – “will receive a monthly stipend in exchange for her pledge to keep her children in school and to avail of regular checkups at the public health clinic,” Lacierda said.

“The CCT program is more than just a policy for helping the poorest of the poor. It is an investment in the future of the Filipino people,” Lacierda said, noting that they are ahead of the projected 2.3 million beneficiaries before yearend.

Also yesterday, President Aquino witnessed the enrollment at a national forum of the parents of Pantawid Pamilya that served as a consultation on the CCT program held at Heroes Hall in Malacañang Palace.

The activity brought together 95 parent-leaders from the 79 provinces across the country.

The forum, according to Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, is a concrete manifestation that the partner-beneficiaries are active participants in the implementation of the program.

The parent-leaders presented to Aquino their thoughts and recommendations on how to better improve the program.

“I was not able to fulfill my dreams, but because of Pantawid Pamilya, my children will now have the chance to finish school and have a better future,” related Madellene Assunto, a mother from General Santos City.

“Not everyone is given the opportunity to be part of a program that will change the lives of their children. As parents, we will do everything to further make this program better, not only for us but more importantly for our children who are now able to go to school and grow up as good and healthy individuals,” said Dabbang.

A program like Pantawid Pamilya ensures that children of poor families are given an equal chance to be future leaders of the nation, she said. –Delon Porcalla (The Philippine Star)