A new Evidence to Policy note on the impact evaluation of a conditional cash transfer program in the Philippines to improve health and education for the poor. The evaluation found that the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program has reduced stunting among young children, increased family spending on health and education, and raised student enrollment in preschool and primary school. The results also found that the program wasn’t as effective with older children: Those aged 12 and above weren’t more likely to enroll in school, although attendance did rise for those already enrolled.

Based on the evidence, the Government of the Philippines has increased the cash transfer amount for older students and expanded the program to include children ages 15–18, who were not previously covered.