The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), officially launched the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) cash grants, on 21 February, at the DSWD Central Office, in Quezon City. 

The F1KD is a key initiative intended to give support to 4Ps households who have pregnant women or children 0-2 years old,  providing them cash grants to ensure that they would seek health services to address the health needs of their children in their first 1000 days.

DSWD Conditional Cash Transfer Group (CCTG) Undersecretary Vilma B. Cabrera emphasized, in her opening message at the launching activity, that the F1KD strategy of 4Ps is the realization of the proposed reforms for the program, as discussed during the sectoral meeting presided by President Ferdinand  R. Marcos Jr., in February 2024. 

“Today (21 February) is the anniversary, exactly one year and one day… We have fulfilled the order of our President, to have a program under 4Ps – the additional cash grant  for the nutrition component under the first 1000 days of the lives of the children,” Undersecretary Cabrera pointed out.

It can also be recalled that the President also emphasized the administration’s commitment to combating malnutrition by proposing the F1KD under the DSWD’s 4Ps in convergence with other government agencies during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA).

During the launching activity of the F1KD strategy under the 4Ps, a ceremonial payout was held for the participating beneficiaries. Each beneficiary received the initial F1KD cash grants worth Php 700.00, covering the months of January and February.

Under this initiative, qualified beneficiaries will receive Php 350.00  per month which aims to ensure that they will seek health services to address the first 1000 days of the child starting from conception.

In a video message DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian extended his support, and said that  “through this additional intervention, [DSWD] intends to ensure that every child of 4Ps households will be given the opportunity to grow and reach their full potential. The DSWD believes that by investing in the future of the youth, we are also investing in the future of our nation.”

Undersecretary Cabrera encouraged 4Ps beneficiaries to take part in the F1KD initiative, saying: “To the mothers, let us not lose this opportunity, even if we did not see Secretary [Rex Gatchalian] today, but he is one with us with the spirit and in operational strategizing how to successfully carry on the 4Ps  program  first 1000 days”.

To receive the grants, pregnant women must attend prenatal and post-natal check-ups and deliver at a health facility, while children must be brought to the clinic for regular check-ups and vaccinations. 

The launching was participated by 50 beneficiaries from select areas including Quezon City, San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, and San Mateo and Rodriguez in Rizal. They also received F1DK kits from DSWD, as well as, essential maternal health kits and medical services such as prenatal and postnatal checkups, and vaccinations offered through the Department of Health’s (DOH) mobile clinic.

DOH Officer in Charge Undersecretary of Health Gloria Balboa, who represented Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa, also expressed the agency’s commitment to the F1KD strategy of 4Ps.

“This event that brought all of us together, is a sign of our dedication, for the most important wealth of the country – our children. The first 1000 days of their lives is the foundation of their health and future, which is also the golden window of opportunity,” Undersecretary Balboa said.

Representatives and members from the 4Ps National Advisory Council (NAC), 4Ps National Technical Working Group (NTWG), Local Government Units (LGUs), Local Chief Executives (LCEs), Development Partners, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and 4Ps beneficiaries, also signified support for the implementation of the F1KD through the commitment board signing. 

To date, around 109,000 pregnant women and children aged 0-2 from eligible 4Ps households nationwide will receive a monthly Php 350 grant to improve access to maternal and child health and nutrition services.

The F1KD strategy of 4Ps is aligned with the overall goal of the government to address malnutrition and stunting problems among children as stipulated in Republic Act No. 11148, or the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act”. ###