A significant number of Filipinos believe that government social welfare programs effectively assist the poor, according to separate surveys conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) and Pulse Asia this January.
The surveys, commissioned by the Stratbase Group, evaluated various aid programs, including the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), and Walang Gutom Program (WGP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
SWS survey results, conducted from January 17 to 20, 2025, with 1,800 respondents and a ±2% margin of error, revealed that 90% of Filipinos consider the 4Ps beneficial, with 66% describing it as “very helpful” and 24% as “somewhat helpful.” TUPAD was also seen as effective by 88% of respondents, with 51% calling it “very helpful” and 37% “somewhat helpful.”
Meanwhile, AKAP and WGP both received an 81% approval rating, with AKAP being viewed as “very helpful” by 42% and “somewhat helpful” by 39%. WGP was deemed “very helpful” by 48% and “somewhat helpful” by 33%. AICS was considered beneficial by 80% of respondents, with 42% rating it “very helpful” and 38% “somewhat helpful.”
Similarly, the Pulse Asia survey, conducted from January 18 to 25, 2025, with 2,400 respondents and the same ±2% margin of error, showed that 82% of Filipinos acknowledged the 4Ps as a financial lifeline for lower-income groups. The same percentage found TUPAD helpful in providing jobs and income security, while 81% said AKAP contributed to financial stability among the economically disadvantaged.
In light of these findings, Stratbase Group President Dindo Manhit emphasized the importance of transparency in implementing these aid programs. He stressed in a GMA News Online report the need for proper allocation of public funds to ensure they genuinely uplift the poor rather than serve personal interests.
“When taxpayers’ money is spent properly, the Filipino people benefit through better services and economic progress,” Manhit said.
