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PAMPANGA LAWMAKER PUSHES FOR INCREASED 4Ps MONTHLY GRANT

admin September 4, 2025

BY KEVIN GALANG

A LAWMAKER from Pampanga has filed a measure seeking for an increase in the monthly grant of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Congressman Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. of the 1^st district of Pampanga filed House Bill 4174 which aims to provide an additional amount of at least P300 per month on top of the usual Conditional Cash Transfer Grant under the 4Ps.

HB 4174 seeks to amend Republic Act 11310 or the “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act” to include an additional “First 1,000 Days” (F1KD) cash aid for child aged zero to two years old of not lower than P300 per month, for a maximum of three children for each qualified household.

Under the current 4Ps Act, beneficiaries receive at least P300 per month for per kid enrolled in day care and elementary programs for a maximum of 10 months per year; at least P700 per month per child enrolled in senior high school for a maximum of 10 months per year; and health and nutrition grant at least P750 per month for a maximum of 12 months per year — for a total of at least P1,750 per month.

The Pampanga solon said that with HB 4174, this will increase to at least P2,050 per month the 4Ps benefit.

Lazatin added that the additional grant aims to address the issue of malnutrition among families with young children.

An article published by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) states that an estimated 672,000 children suffer from wasting, with about 50% under the age of two years.

“It is very important that a child receives proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of their life, and we aim to assist their families ensure this through the additional grant,” Lazatin explained.

Lazatin also filed HB 2933, a measure which seeks to include mental health emergency, psychiatric, and neurological services in the PhilHealth Mental Health Benefit Package for Out-Patient.

During his time as Angeles City mayor, Lazatin implemented the provision of P1,000 yearly cash assistance for registered senior citizens in the city.