KORONADAL CITY — A senior official of Department of Social Welfare and Development welcomed World Bank recommendation to expand  the coverage of the state’s cash program as the global financing institution saw the  program effective in reducing poverty.

Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, regional director of Department of Social welfare and Development, said Wednesday the World Bank cited in their latest assessment report large number of poor families with children that have not yet been covered. 

“This is a welcome development for us. We can help more families once the government will allow it,” Dr. Taha said.

The lending company, in their report, cited the Conditional Cash Transfer program, also known Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, is compliant in three of seven key indicators.

“There are solid arguments to expand coverage of Pantawid to include additional families in 2019, taking into account the large number of poor families with children that have not yet been covered,” the latest World Bank’s report read.

Under CCT,  the government allocates rice allowance and grants amounting to P500 to P1, 400 for each beneficiary household, depending on the number of eligible children. Each family is allowed a maximum of three children to receive the monthly benefits provided they have to stay in school and maintain class attendance of at least 85 percent each month.

At the same time, pregnant women are also required to avail pre- and post-natal care, and delivery must be assisted by skilled health personnel, while parents are mandatory to take “family development sessions” to enable them to become better parents. (JBM/DSWD)