House panel OKs bill expanding 4Ps coverage

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March 17, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A committee of the House of Representatives approved yesterday a measure that will expand the coverage of the government’s flagship Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or 4Ps to allow beneficiaries to pursue college education, even in private learning institutions.

“Taken together with the numerous proposals, these measures point toward a common goal: strengthening our country’s human capital,” Rep. Miro Quimbo said of the unnumbered substitute bill deliberated in his ways and means committee.

“By investing in education, health and community-based economic institutions, we invest in the capacity of Filipinos to contribute to national development,” he added.

According to the Marikina City 2nd district representative, the measure would encourage qualified 4Ps beneficiaries to pursue higher education or technical-vocational courses.

“Today’s discussion is about ensuring that our fiscal policies support these investments, so that programs designed to uplift lives, expand opportunities and build future-ready generations make a lasting impact for many Filipinos,” Quimbo said.

The bill expanding the 4Ps Act of 2019 (Republic Act 11310) is part of the “broader national effort to strengthen social protection, expand economic cooperation and empower communities.”

It will provide support to tertiary education and employment programs.

House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, who is also pushing for the measure, has said that the changes to the law will further strengthen social protection for the country’s low-income families and help poor households with their tuition and other school expenses.