DSWD Launches Education Grants to Boost School Enrollment for 4Ps Beneficiaries in Central Visayas

CENTRAL VISAYAS – In an effort to ensure consistent school attendance among children under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Central Visayas has activated a targeted education grant initiative known as 4Ps Bata Balik Eskwela (BBE).

According to Philippines News Agency, head of the DSWD-Central Visayas’ 4Ps Division, the BBE program is designed to support the re-enrollment of 4Ps beneficiaries into schools, aligning with a broader governmental directive from the Marcos administration. The grant aims to address the dropout rates and irregular attendance among children by providing financial incentives linked directly to their consistent participation in school. For elementary students, the grant amounts to PHP300 per month for ten months, increasing to PHP500 for junior high students, and PHP700 for senior high students, contingent upon meeting attendance requirements.

The campaign is part of a multi-faceted approach to enhance educational engagement among socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Sayson emphasized that the initiative recognizes the complex challenges some children face in continuing their education, which necessitates a collaborative effort involving parents, schools, local government units, and national agencies like the Department of Education and DSWD.

Additionally, the 4Ps program includes comprehensive support such as health grants of PHP750 per month per household for healthcare services for children aged two to 14 years, including growth monitoring and deworming. Families also benefit from monthly family development sessions aimed at fostering better health and education outcomes.

Furthermore, to alleviate household food insecurity, 4Ps beneficiaries receive a monthly rice subsidy of PHP600, contributing to the overall welfare and stability of these families.