GOVERNMENT social welfare programs, commonly known as “ayuda,” have been a staple of past administrations. However , President Ferdinand “Bongbong “ R. Marcos Jr. has significantly expanded and reinforced these initiatives to reach more Filipinos in need and ensure greater inclusivity.
This was emphasized by House leaders following a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which showed that 90% of Filipinos consider Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and other aid programs as helpful, with 66% rating them as “very helpful” and 24% as “somewhat helpful.”
Manila Rep. Ernix Dionisio Jr. stressed that ayuda programs have been in place for many years, yet some critics only started attacking them under the current administration.
“Ang ayuda kasi hindi naman … nakakalungkot na minsan dine-demonize ‘yung ayuda. Sa totoo lang ang ayuda ‘di lang naman ngayong admin ‘yan. It’s been happening for the longest time,” Dionisio explained.
Dionisio questioned why previous administrations were not criticized for implementing similar programs.
“Bakit noon pwede but ngayon masama? Bakit ‘pag sa kanila pwede, bakit pag sa iba bawal, masama?” he asked.
He also highlighted the real impact of government assistance, particularly for the poor.
“Yung simpleng maliit na ayuda, iisipin natin, sinasabi ng iba dine-demonize sila na wala naman ‘yan, pang isang araw lang. No. Yung pang isang araw na ‘yun, hindi mo alam kung gaano kalaking epekto sa mahirap na tao that could save their lives,” he said.
Dionisio further explained that such aid can help recipients in various ways, including supporting small businesses.
“Yung iba nga kapit sa patalim, umuutang sa may payong at nakamotor ‘yung mga bombay. Sa totoo lang, ‘yun yung medyo nagagahasa ang mga kababayan natin,” he added.
He credited Marcos for expanding these programs, ensuring that more Filipinos benefit from government assistance.
“Ang kaibahan lang ngayon kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos mas pinarami, mas pinaigting at mas maraming naaabot na direkta,” he emphasized.
Dionisio also urged critics to focus on the benefits rather than using ayuda as a political issue.
“Yung ba masama o yun mas nakakabuti para sa mga Pilipino?” He said.
Deputy Majority Leader Paolo Ortega V pointed out that these initiatives were carefully planned and not hastily implemented.
“Kaya nga po nagawa ‘yang mga programa na ‘yan, hindi naman po ginawa ‘yan kahapon lang. Pinag-isipan po ‘yan not only ‘nung binabalangkas at saka ginagawa ‘yung batas,” he said.
Ortega added that the overwhelming approval from the public reflects the effectiveness of these programs.
“Yung ating mga ayuda, not only po ‘dun sa mga sectors na very vulnerable pero nabigyan nga po natin ng tulong yung mga kapos ang kinikita,” he noted.
Both lawmakers maintained that ayuda programs serve as a crucial support system for Filipinos in need and should not be used as a political tool for division.
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