Life Stories of the Beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)

Abstract

This study explored the lived experiences of beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Barangay Quirino, Solano, Nueva Vizcaya. Specifically, it examined the beneficiaries’ living conditions prior to their enrollment in the program, their experiences during participation, and their present socioeconomic conditions after more than a decade of involvement. Understanding these experiences provides insight into how conditional cash transfer programs influence the lives of marginalized households. A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews with five long-term beneficiaries selected through purposive and snowball sampling. The participants were mothers who had been beneficiaries of the program for approximately twelve years. Interviews were conducted in Filipino to encourage open responses and were subsequently transcribed and translated for analysis. Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes related to school participation, access to health services, and basic household needs. Findings revealed that prior to enrollment in the program, beneficiaries experienced severe economic hardship characterized by unstable income, food insecurity, and limited access to healthcare and educational resources. During their participation in the program, respondents reported improvements in supporting their children’s schooling and obtaining basic healthcare services due to the financial assistance provided. However, despite these improvements, many households continued to struggle with meeting basic needs due to rising living costs and limited livelihood opportunities. The study concludes that while the program contributes to improvements in human capital development, additional livelihood support and economic opportunities are necessary to ensure sustainable poverty reduction among beneficiary households.