4Ps beneficiaries face risk of losing benefits if…

Local

BENEFICIARIES of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) who refuse to have their children immunized may risk losing their health grants under the program.

This was the reminder issued by several local government units (LGUs) in Cebu to their 4Ps beneficiaries.

“Kung dili sila magpabakuna sa ilang mga anak, mahulog sila nga non-compliant sa health ug dili sila kadawat sa ilang health grants sa July ug August based sa guidelines sa DSWD,” Moalboal Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Cristy Villaceran said.

Moalboal has 146 4Ps beneficiaries who are eligible for the Ligtas Tigdas Supplemental Immunization Program.

As of Aug. 22, the Municipal Health Office of Asturias already recorded 801 children vaccinated against measles and rubella, with no reported serious adverse events following immunization.

The LGUs’ reminder came after around 500 parents in Cebu City refused to have their children vaccinated against measles and rubella.

In Mandaue City, a low turnout in the measles-rubella vaccination campaign was also recorded, with only 10% of the city’s 30,000 target children immunized during the four-day activity.

The low turnout was attributed to parents’ concerns about vaccine safety, fueled by misinformation circulating on social media.

Under Section 11(b), or the conditions for entitlement under Republic Act No. 11310, also known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act, children zero (0) to five (5) years old must receive regular preventive health and nutrition services, including check-ups and vaccinations.

Other conditions for continued eligibility in the program include availing of deworming pills at least twice a year for children one (1) to 14 years old; attending day care or preschool classes at least 85% of the time; attending elementary to secondary classes; attending DSWD development sessions once a month by one responsible adult of the household; and availing of prenatal and postpartum care, while newborns must receive postnatal care.

The 4Ps Act provides that beneficiaries who fail to meet the program’s conditions will receive a written notice, and their cash grants may be suspended or terminated in accordance with the program’s rules.

If noncompliance continues for four months, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will place them under case management.

“Should the qualified household-beneficiary so notified persist in not complying with the conditions within a period of a year since the day of receipt of the written notification, the household-beneficiary shall be removed from the program,” the law states.(MyTVCebu)