The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is actively promoting the participation of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in the upcoming midterm elections in May. In a recent online session of the ‘4Ps Fastbreak’ program, Director Gemma Gabuya, the National Program Manager for 4Ps, emphasized the importance of exercising the right to vote. She stated, ‘We are urging our 4Ps beneficiaries to take part in the elections as it is their right.’
To facilitate this, the 4Ps program has integrated voter education into its family development sessions (FDS), focusing on active citizenship. Gabuya explained, ‘In these sessions, we educate them about the election process, the importance of voting, the procedures involved, their rights, and how to choose their candidates.’
Additionally, the 4Ps is running a social media campaign on Facebook with the hashtag #Botanteng4Ps, encouraging beneficiaries to watch, engage, and participate in the electoral process. Gabuya highlighted the challenges of elections, including vote-buying, and stressed the need for vigilance within families and communities to ensure the integrity of the voting process.
She also cautioned against the spread of fake news during the election period, warning beneficiaries about false claims that could affect their participation in the 4Ps. ‘It’s crucial that they receive accurate information and not fall for fake news, such as threats of being removed from the program for not voting a certain way,’ Gabuya noted.
The DSWD’s efforts align with the Marcos administration’s objective of promoting clean and honest elections, emphasizing active citizenship and the fight against misinformation.