Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT): 4Ps in the Lens of Philippine Decentralization

Abstract

In keeping with its goal to combat poverty, the conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, known locally as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) provides conditional cash grants to the poorest of the poor. While there had been several initiatives aimed at evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the CCT program, not one has zeroed in on which political set-up the CCT is best compatible with. This study examined how the decentralized political set-up of the Philippines affects the 4Ps in the achievement of its goal as a development initiative. The study utilized a qualitative descriptive survey, the multiple stakeholder perspective approach, and Stakeholder Theory.  The Number of Pantawid Pamilya Households by Region, Province, Municipality, Set of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Data as of April 20, 2014 was utilized for the determination of the research locale and the research respondents. As revealed, the different phases of the 4Ps as a poverty alleviation program, namely: detailed local knowledge, design and implementation of transfer, and the targeting of poverty-reducing public investment reflect the dynamic roles of both the national government and the LGU in the process.