Beyond the Cash Transfer: The 4Ps' Ripple on Family Welfare and Students' Academic Achievement

Abstract

This study examined the impact of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) on 50 beneficiary families in Sta. Maria, Bulacan during the last quarter of 2024.  The research first profiled the families, revealing a substantial proportion earning below ₱20,000 monthly, with household sizes predominantly between 5-8 members, and often relying on a single parent's income.    While the 4Ps cash grant offered some assistance in affording nutritious food, it proved insufficient to significantly improve overall household income or living standards. Access to healthcare was facilitated, but the improvement was marginal.  Regarding educational outcomes, the 4Ps program significantly improved learner's school attendance, as 88% of 50 learners received perfect attendance award. However, this is partly mandated by program policy.  Academic performance saw a slight positive impact,as majority of the 4Ps learners obtained GWA of  81-85% , potentially linked to better attendance .  Beneficiary families perceived the program as helpful but insufficient to meet their comprehensive needs.  The study concludes that, while the 4Ps program demonstrates some positive effects, particularly on school attendance, its impact is limited by high living costs and inadequate financial assistance.  Significant enhancements are needed to maximize its effectiveness.This study developed an enhancement program based on the result. The Integrated Livelihood Program combined the cash transfer with skills training, micro-financing, and business development support to help beneficiaries generate their own income. This program addresses the long-term sustainability issue.  Empowering beneficiaries to generate their own income reduces their reliance on the cash transfer alone. Its implementation requires collaboration between the 4Ps program and other government agencies responsible for skills training and micro-financing. Based on the result, it was concluded that the 4Ps program exhibits a positive yet limited impact on the well-being of beneficiary families in Sta. Maria, Bulacan.  While improvements were observed in school attendance and healthcare access, the financial assistance provided is insufficient to substantially alleviate poverty and improve living standards, especially considering prevailing high commodity prices.  The program's success in improving school attendance is partly attributed to the program's mandatory attendance policy.Livelihood skills training, and comprehensive nutrition education, enhancement of  monitoring and evaluation such as robust monitoring and evaluation systems are needed to track program effectiveness .The government is also suggested to explore ways to make the assistance less time-bound and more sustainable such as offering support for entrepreneurship and income-generating activities for the families. The goal is to help families transition to self-sufficiency.