Metro Manila, Philippines – In a bid to further enhance the welfare of marginalized communities, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) National Capital Region led the 2nd quarter Regional Advisory Council (RAC) Meeting last May 21 (Tuesday) in Quezon City.

The activity brought key program partners to discuss significant updates and initiatives vital to the effective implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Metro Manila.

Attended by representatives from government agencies and other partners in the NCR which featured a comprehensive agenda aimed at addressing critical issues impacting the program beneficiaries. Among the key highlights of the meeting were presentations from various agencies, including the Department of Education (DepEd-NCR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG-NCR), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Health (DOH-NCR), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE-NCR).

During the meeting, updates from the previous RAC gathering were presented, alongside discussions of the DILG on Local Government Units Organizational Structures, guidelines for Internal Revenue allocation, and roles and responsibilities of Barangay Officials. The Konsulta Program by PhilHealth for the registration of 4Ps members, followed by the presentation of the DOH on the roles of Barangay Health workers for 4Ps Health Intervention, and the discussion of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) by the DOLE.

Furthermore, a session on adolescent sexual and reproductive health and mental health support for youth was conducted to address critical issues affecting the youth population of the 4Ps members in Metro Manila.

The RAC meeting concluded with the approval of several resolutions aimed at improving the implementation and governance of the 4Ps in the National Capital Region. These resolutions included the institutionalization of Local Action Team functionality, the inclusion of civil society organizations as RAC members, and the enhancement of grievance resolution standards for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

The 4Ps-NCR remains committed to advancing the welfare of marginalized families and communities, with the Regional Advisory Council playing a pivotal role in ensuring the effective and sustainable delivery of services to those in need.