Philippines to hire 5,700 social workers to strengthen 4Ps poverty program

MANILA – House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan has welcomed approval of 5,703 new regular social worker posts designed to bolster frontline operations for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the government's primary conditional cash transfer scheme targeting low-income families.

Libanan, who represents the 4Ps party-list group in Congress, said the Department of Budget and Management's decision represents a significant step toward strengthening delivery of the anti-poverty program. The additional workforce is expected to enhance the program's capacity to reach beneficiaries and ensure effective monitoring of program requirements across the country.

The 4Ps provides cash assistance to eligible families conditioned on their compliance with health and education requirements, including regular medical check-ups for children and school attendance. The program has been credited with helping reduce poverty levels and improving access to education and healthcare among vulnerable populations.

The creation of permanent social worker positions addresses long-standing concerns about staffing limitations that have affected program implementation in various regions. These frontline workers play a crucial role in verifying beneficiary eligibility, monitoring compliance, and providing support services to program participants.