House representatives proposed a bigger ‘ayuda’ funding for the poor and low-income families for 2025 as contained in the proposed 2025 General Appropriations Law or House Bill No. 10800.

The proposed budget covers Php114 billion in allocation for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (or 4Ps) and P39 billion for Ayuda sa Kapos and Kita Program (AKAP) or a total of Php143 billion.

In a statement earlier today, Libanan expressed high hopes that the Senate favorably endorses a larger funding allocations for the government’s targeted cash aid programs for the poor and low-income families.

The AKAP provides cash assistance to minimum wage earners in the low-income category who are severely affected by rising inflation.

The 4Ps provides cash grants to 4.4 million Filipino households on the condition that the parents attend family development sessions, ensure that their children receive regular health check-ups and keep them enrolled in schools.

The House Minority Leader also noted that next year’s 4Ps allocation will include additional cash grants for pregnant women until the child turns 2 years old.

“The 4Ps cash grants have alleviated poverty, increased school participation, reduced child labor and improved access to health and nutrition services for mothers and children,” Libanan said.(CJ/JMM - Calbayog Journal, November 18, 2024.