Personal Financial Management of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Beneficiaries in Municipality of Canaman, Camarines Sur

The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a cornerstone of poverty alleviation in the Philippines, faces critical gaps in translating conditional cash transfers into sustainable financial resilience among beneficiaries. This study examines the financial literacy and personal financial management (PFM) practices of 4Ps recipients in Canaman, Camarines Sur, through a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Findings reveal high financial literacy in knowledge (weighted mean = 3.32) and behavior (3.05), with beneficiaries demonstrating prudent cash management (mean = 2.92) and proactive expense prioritization. However, challenges persist in credit utilization (2.85) and long-term savings (2.71), exacerbated by systemic barriers such as delayed cash transfers (77%), fund misuse (55%), and stringent compliance requirements. While beneficiaries exhibit strong foundational financial attitudes (2.73), suboptimal savings strategies and borrowing beyond repayment capacities underscore the need for targeted interventions. The study advocates for enhanced financial education programs, culturally tailored credit counseling, and technology-driven savings initiatives to bridge these gaps. Recommendations emphasize timely fund disbursement, intersectional support frameworks, and community-level financial inclusion campaigns. By aligning program delivery with beneficiaries’ socio-economic realities, the 4Ps can evolve from a safety net to a catalyst for holistic empowerment, fostering economic stability and reducing intergenerational poverty in marginalized households.