CAMARINES Norte local government units (LGUs) have joined the Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) in its efforts to stop the pawning of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) cash cards.

"Recognizing the importance of safeguarding the welfare of 4Ps beneficiaries, the LGUs of Paracale, Vinzons and Mercedes have taken proactive measures to ensure that the 4Ps grants are directly given to their beneficiaries and used for their intended purposes," DSWD Field Office-5 (Bicol) Regional Director Norman Laurio said on Tuesday.

"The LGUs have enacted ordinances aimed at preventing abuse and exploitation in the use of cash cards," he added.

Laurio said that these regulations are meant to ensure that the funds are solely used for the goals stipulated by the program, which are to enhance the education, health and nutrition of children-beneficiaries.

"By implementing these ordinances, local governments aim to crack down on loan sharks, individuals offering high-interest loans and government officials who violate the law. This move is seen as a crucial step in protecting the interests of 4Ps beneficiaries across these localities," Laurio said.

"We commend the proactive efforts of the local government units in Camarines Norte in addressing the issue of cash card pawning," he added.

Laurio said that a technical working group made up of DSWD Bicol staff and local council representatives will be formed "to conduct thorough monitoring and coordination" in order to further guarantee the successful execution of these measures.

"By working together, the national and local governments can ensure that the benefits of the 4Ps program reach the intended recipients and contribute to their socioeconomic empowerment," Laurio said.

The 4Ps play an important role in improving Filipinos' lives, particularly by ensuring children's access to education and health care, and emphasize a cooperative effort of government institutions, development partners, local governments and nongovernmental organizations as a comprehensive approach to development.

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