Quezon City: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched a new cash grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) dubbed the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) of Life as an investment toward a future where children are free from stunting and malnutrition. Under the F1KD, 4Ps households with pregnant women or children 0-2 years are entitled to PHP350 on top of their health grants, to ensure that they seek health services and address the needs of children in their first 1,000 days of life.
According to Philippines News Agency, the program was officially launched at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City on Friday, with 50 initial beneficiaries from select areas in Quezon City, San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, and San Mateo and Rodriguez towns in Rizal province receiving their two-month cash grants in a ceremonial payout activity. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the importance of the program in a pre-recorded message, stating that it aims to ensure children in 4Ps households have the opportunity to reach their full potential, which in turn benefits the future of the country.
The program is set to benefit more than 68,000 individuals from 4Ps households nationwide. Gatchalian highlighted that the F1KD is conditional, like all the grants 4Ps members receive from the government, and urged beneficiaries to use these to the best interest of their children. Conditionalities of the grant include accessing pre-natal services at health facilities accredited by the Department of Health (DOH); tracking pregnancy and receiving ante-natal care services; child-birthing or delivery at any DOH-accredited health facility; attending post-natal visits, participating in counseling sessions; and obtaining micronutrient supplements and immunizations.
Gatchalian also expressed gratitude to partners from the government and private sectors for their full support in the program's development, guidelines drafting, and resource allocation. Officials and personnel from the DOH, led by Undersecretary Gloria Balboa on behalf of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, were present at the event. The DOH set up mobile clinics to provide participating 4Ps beneficiaries with essential health care services.
Other partners present included the National Nutrition Council, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, National Economic and Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Philippine Commission on Women, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Population and Development, World Bank, the United Nations Children's Fund, and the Australian Embassy.
