Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs are increasingly perceived as an effective tool for poverty alleviation. CCT programs have been highly successful in Latin American countries, and are increasingly perceived as a magic bullet for poverty reduction. Well-knownprograms that follow this approach include the Progresa (now called Oportunidades) in Mexico, Bolsa Escola and Bolsa Familiain Brazil, Red de Proteccion Social in Nicaragua, Programa de Asistencia Familiar in Honduras, Program of Advancement through Health and Education in Jamaica, Food-for-Education (FFE) in Bangladesh, and Subsidio Unico Familiar in Chile (de Janvry and Sadoulet 2006). In 2007, the Philippines piloted a CCT program in four provinces and since January 2008, has started to implement this program nationwide.