Many recipients of the government's conditional transfer program are people living in slums. (Photo by Mark Saludes)
The auxiliary bishop of Manila has called on the Philippine government to strengthen local economic activities instead of implementing a dole-out program for poor families.
Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo of Manila said a "food for work" program is a better alternative to the government's current conditional cash transfer program.
"Give them something to work in the village. Let them clean streets or fix something in the neighborhood. At least it is more dignified than just giving them money," said Bishop Pabillo.
Retired Bishop Pedro Arigo of Palawan noted that people have become dependent on the government program.
The conditional cash transfer program was started in 2007 and aims to reduce poverty by making welfare programs conditional upon the receivers' actions.
In 2015, the program has more than four million household beneficiaries in 17 regions across the country.