ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA— Former Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Camilo Gudmalin, was elected as Chairperson of the newest committee established by the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) that would monitor the implementation of services for program beneficiaries.

Gudmalin, who now heads the CREST or the Crime Reaction Emergency Support Team, will lead the Regional Independent Monitoring Committee (RIMC), an independent body organized to supervise the timely and effective implementation of interventions addressing the social welfare and development gaps of the 4Ps households as identified by its annual assessment.

As the former Undersecretary of the DSWD, Gudmalin is well-informed of the needs and operational processes of the 4Ps which will be helpful in performing the roles and duties of the committee along with other private and civil society organizations.

The DSWD convened some identified private organizations and civil society organizations last May 25, 2023 at LM Hotel, Tetuan, Zamboanga City where the election of officers was also facilitated. Vice-Chair to Gudmalin is Ferndale International School President, Dr. Anicia A. Alvarez. Other members are Jannet R. Francisco (WMSU-CSWCD), Joanna Amor N. Chiong/Arnold Jhan Morte (KKI), Meriam A. Tedding (CFSI), Rhodora Partosa (Unbound), Arnel P. Manahan (Representing SM Foundation – For Verification), Jesamine Pollisco (ZABIDA), Abdulnasser Tiking/Jeamczar G. Samson (HDES), and Muneer Hinay (Kids Who Farm).

No less than the DSWD-9 Regional Director, Riduan P. Hadjimuddin, inducted the newly elected officers. The salient points of the RIMC and its terms of reference were presented and discussed by the 4Ps’ Regional Program Coordinator, Flordeliza A. Atuy.

DSWD-9 Regional Director Riduan P. Hadjimuddin inducts the officers of the RIMC while 4Ps RPC Flordeliza Atuy presents the salient points of the RIMC.

 

Part of the functions of the RIMC is to monitor the inter-agency implementation of the 4Ps program at all levels, participate in the review and assessment of compliance to the program conditions of the beneficiary and the Local Government Units (LGUs), and solicit the participation of the private sectors to collaborate with the government in the implementation of the 4Ps.

Through the RIMC, the Department foresees better interventions that would lead its beneficiaries to self-sufficiency. A family beneficiary with sustained level of well-being at self-sufficiency would mean that the family is ready to stand on their own and exit from the 4Ps program.

Currently, as per provisions stated in the Republic Act 11310 or the 4Ps Act, members of the 4Ps receive 750 pesos a month for health (vitamins, medicines, etc.), 700 pesos for every child in Senior High School, 500 pesos for every child in Junior High School, and 300 pesos for every child in Elementary education. The program can only accommodate a maximum of 3 children per household to be granted with monthly educational grant. Apart from this, a family beneficiary also receives 600 pesos per month as rice subsidy.