KORONADAL CITY – Senior officials of Department of Social Welfare and Development in Central Mindanao welcomed Thursday World Bank’s additional funding for the state’s flagship anti-poverty program, saying it will ensure grants of beneficiaries in the next couple of years. 

Dennis Domingo, DSWD 12 regional information officer, said Dir. Cezario Joel Espejo cited the international financial institution’s latest contribution to the country’s fight against poverty will strengthen the implementation and impact of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

Dir. Espejo’s comments come after the World Bank announced last month additional US$300 million loan for the scheme also known as Conditional Cash Transfer as part of its commitment to social protection programs.

“We assure the public the agency and our partners in the local sectors will work closely in addressing the needs of our clients,” Mr. Domingo said, quoting Dir. Espejo’s remarks.

In 2016, the WB also released $450-million to cover CCT’s three-year health and education grants.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or Republic Act (RA) 11310 in a bid to beef up government’s social services.

Under the law, the beneficiaries would be given a monthly grant of not lower than P300 per child enrolled in daycare and elementary programs for a maximum of 10 months a year, P500 per child enrolled in junior high school, and P700 per child enrolled in senior high school.

A health and nutrition grant of not lower than P750 per month for a maximum of 12 months a year will also be given to the beneficiaries. (DSWD-12 / JBM)