ZAMBOANGA CITY, 07 March. (PIA 9) - - In the course of implementing the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), it is inevitable that queries, clarifications and problems will arise.
From the start of the implementation of the program it has always been the talked-about and the word-of-mouth like a hit teleserye to many people particularly the non-beneficiaries. Because of the program’s popularity a Non Government Organization has come up the same acronym of 4Ps or the so- called Pahiyum Pobreng Pamilyang Pilipino purportedly offering groceries to poor households with family members 18 and above. This has created confusion to many people misleading this to be the national government’s poverty-reduction program. Others were confused as to who is the legitimate poverty reduction program. That is why the central office came up with a memorandum stating that the acronym 4Ps shall no longer be used in referring to DSWD-implemented program yet a more meaningful term Pantawid Pamilya will be applied as its label.
DSWD Regional Director Teodulo Romo during the Consultative Dialogue with Sibugay Governor Rommel Jalosjos and Congressman Romeo Jalosjos, Jr. In Ipil held recently, explained to the press people that any organization named after 4Ps or even using the 4Ps acronym has nothing to do with the Pantawid Pamilya and has no connection to DSWD as far as project implementation is concern.
The said department has been receiving alarming reports regarding this syndicate and upon validation these people has been collecting fees amounting to 40 to 50 pesos allegedly for membership recruitment fee for the Pantawid program. Director Romo emphasized that collection of fees for the Pantawid program done by the Mindanao Allied Forces Incorporated (MAFI) is illegitimate.
This group, accordingly, claims to be a partner of DSWD in the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. Dir. Romo explained that the said group has never been a partner of DSWD and has not given the authority to collect any fees from the beneficiary as registration fee. He also mentioned that a legitimate Non Government Organization (NGO) or Civil Society Organization (CSO) becomes a partner of DSWD if and when a certain organization has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with DSWD. However even if the group has signed a MOA with the department, this does not give them the authority to collect any form of fee as registration to Pantawid Pamilya is free of charge. Dir. Romo emphasized that there are limitations enforced to the partners of Pantawid Pamilya as to their involvement to the program is concerned. (JPA/JLE/DSWD/PIA- ZBST)
