The 4ps in Anini-y, Antique: It's implementation and effects in upland community

Abstract

This study discusses and analyzes the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), its implementation, and its effects on beneficiaries’ access to basic services (education and health) and economic well-being. A total of 57 4Ps beneficiaries were surveyed, in three barangays in Anino-y, Antique. Survey data were supplemented with key informant interviews and secondary data review. The study shows that the 4Ps enhanced beneficiaries’ access to education and health services. This is manifested by consistent data on school participation and promotion rate of student beneficiaries and by children’s regular visit to health centers to monitor their health conditions. The same can be said for pregnant mothers who benefited from the program. The program was also deemed responsible for improving household conditions of beneficiaries, particularly in terms of enhanced purchasing power as testimonies by the respondents say that they now have the money to purchase basic needs which is food. The 4Ps provide direct benefits to beneficiaries but the process of implementation could have been improved by way of establishing objective and clearer targeting criteria, non-politicization of the process of selection and improving systems for monitoring to ensure compliance to conditionalities. The study suggests the infusion of community-based and participatory principles into the program to enhance local accountability and compliance.