DSWD Says Sampaguita Girl and Her Family Were Once Part of 4Ps
DSWD claimed that the controversial Sampaguita Girl and her family were former 4Ps beneficiaries.
Previously, a video went viral showing a young girl selling Sampaguita garlands in front of a mall. Things turned heated when a security guard approached her, apparently following the mall’s rules against vendors in the area.
The guard tried to grab the garlands from her hands, pulling so hard that they ended up torn. Not backing down, the girl stood her ground and even swung her garlands at him several times. At one point, the guard made a move like he was about to kick her, but the girl kept fighting to protect her things.
SM Megamalls issued a statement apologizing for what happened and sharing that they sympathized with the young girl. They also announced that the security guard involved was fired and assured everyone he wouldn’t be allowed to work in any of their malls again.
Recently, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) claimed that the family of the now-viral “Sampaguita Girl” were beneficiaries of the Philippine government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) for ten years.
The program, aimed at providing financial assistance to low-income families, was instrumental in supporting their daily needs for over a decade.
DSWD Director Gemma Gabuya, who manages the national 4Ps program, shared this information in a press briefing. The family’s participation in the program came to an end just last year.
Despite graduating from the 4Ps, the family remains categorized as “homeless,” as they currently have no permanent home. The story shows the ongoing struggle many families face even after receiving government aid.
The family also benefitted from the DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program on two separate occasions. The program provides training and financial support to help beneficiaries establish small businesses or find employment opportunities.
In a previous report, Gabriela party-list rep. Brosas calls for compassion for the sampaguita girl and others
While details about how the family used the program weren’t disclosed, it is an example of how the government continues to extend assistance beyond cash subsidies.