The proposal to make vaccination a condition for receiving assistance for 4P’s program beneficiaries still needs to be discussed, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Director Irene Dumlao, the DSWD spokesperson, said the agency supports the government’s vaccination program and is ready to respond if there is a change in the program.
“Ito ay pag-uusapan pa within the department and doon sa ating National Program Management Office. Ang mahalaga po ay maipamahagi natin ang sapat na impormasyon sa ating mga beneficiaries para muli sila ay makapag-desisyon batay na rin sa kanilang pag-unawa sa naibigay natin impormasyon,” said Dumlao.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque’s proposal to make vaccination a condition for receiving assistance for the beneficiaries of 4P’s program, especially now that many are still reluctant to inject COVID-19.
On TeleRadyo, Dumlao said the current condition under the program is that the children of the beneficiaries must study. They also avail health services and attend the monthly family development session.
Vaccination as requirement for 4P’s should be discussed: DSWD
“Ngayon, kung magkakaroon ng discussions para sa karagdagang kondisyon, handa naman ang DSWD na makipag-tulungan, makipag-discussion on this para mailahad natin kung ano ang kinakailangang maunawaan din pertaining to the program,” she said.
“Ang mahalaga sa usapin na ito maipahatid natin the right information to ur 4P’s beneficiaries upang maunawaan nila yung kahalagahan ng pagpapabakuna at paano ito mapoprotekahan ang kanilang mga pamilya.”
The fifth priority of the government’s vaccination program is the indigent or poor, estimated at 16 million.
Meanwhile, Senator Risa Hontiveros opposed the suggestion of presidential spokesperson Harry Roque to make COVID-19 vaccination a requirement for 4Ps beneficiaries.
“Hindi dapat binubully ang publiko para magpabakuna. Kaunting galang at respeto naman sa mga mahihirap. Walang kundisyon sa 4Ps law na kailangan vaccinated ang recipients,” Hontiveros said.
Hontiveros explained that the government must give incentives to those who will be vaccinated instead of providing conditions.
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