SOCIAL BENEFITS. Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in the province of Masbate get their cash cards in this undated photo. The Department of Social Welfare and Development-Bicol (DSWD-5) has urged local government units (LGUs) in the region to file, pass, and approve an ordinance penalizing the pawning of cash cards. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-Bicol)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has urged local government units (LGUs) in the region to file, pass, and approve an ordinance penalizing the pawning of cash cards by beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
In an interview on Wednesday, Jessica Buendia, DSWD-5 4Ps information officer, said there are currently 27 LGUs in Bicol already implementing an anti-cash card pawning ordinance and they want others to follow suit.
"The ordinance is designed to prevent the misuse or exploitation of cash cards provided to beneficiaries under the 4Ps program. As a protective measure, the ordinance ensures that funds are used for their intended purposes. These ordinances were created to penalize loan sharks, lenders, and government officials who violate the law," Buendia said.
Some 4Ps beneficiaries pawn their cash cards, using them as "collateral" when they borrow money from informal sources of credit.
Buendia said the collaborative efforts of LGUs and DSWD-5 emphasize the importance of cooperation between the regional program management and local governments in addressing issues that impact the effectiveness of social welfare programs.
"The 27 LGUs inspire other provinces to adopt similar measures in the pursuit of transparent and accountable governance. This protective ordinance hopes that other provinces will follow suit, creating a ripple effect of responsible governance and ensuring the sustained impact of social assistance programs in uplifting the lives of those who need it most," she added.
The National Advisory Committee (NAC) Resolution No. 20 of 4Ps outlines the procedural guidelines for handling misdemeanor cases of beneficiaries. The ordinances have reiterated these guidelines and warned beneficiaries against pawning their cards. Violating these guidelines will result in counseling, written warnings, and suspension of household grants. A third offense will lead to the delisting of the household, which is non-appealable.
The 27 LGUs in Bicol that have enacted and implemented their anti-pawning ordinance are the towns of Esperanza, Dimasalang, Cawayan, Cataingan, Palanas, Balud, Aroroy, Placer, Milagros, Uson, and Monreal, all in Masbate; Tabaco City, Albay; Jose Panganiban and Mercedes in Camarines Norte; Bulan, Casiguran, Barcelona, and Bulusan in Sorsogon; and Tigaon, Presentation, Ocampo, Goa, Balatan, Cabusao, Del Gallego, Buhi, and Pasacao in Camarines Sur.
There are currently four other LGUs that have resolutions waiting for the Sangguniang Bayan approval to be enacted as an ordinance.
The DSWD recorded 400,503 active 4Ps beneficiaries in Bicol as of Dec. 31, 2023. (PNA)
