Farmers and fisherfolk are now covered by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), although the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) still has to make sure its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) would address challenges in carrying out the program that costs P88 billion for this year alone, Senate President Pro Tempore Ralph Recto said yesterday. Recto, the first in the chamber to file a bill giving the program a charter in 2013, said the measure includes provisions that “shield it from epal politics, prioritize farmers and fishermen, reward work equity, and link it to livelihood programs.” When he pushed for the amendment that will automatically include farmers and fishermen in 4Ps enrollment, he argued that most of the 23.7 million poor are in these sectors.

Katigbak, T. F., & Porcalla, D. (2019, May 27). Farmers, fisherfolk now included in 4Ps. The Philippine Star, p. 4.