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.
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.
“Sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay dagdag suporta na ito, nilalayong tiyakin na ang bawat bata ng 4Ps household ay mabibigyan ng pagkakataon na lumaki na naaabot ang kanilang buong potential. Ang DSWD ay naniniwala na ang pamumuhunan sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan ay pamumuhunan sa hinaharap ng ating bansa (By providing this additional support, we aim to ensure that children of each 4Ps household will be given a chance to reach their full potential. The DSWD believes that an investment for the future of the youth is an investment for the country’s future),” DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian said in a pre-recorded message aired during the launch.
The program is set to benefit more than 68,000 individuals from 4Ps households nationwide.
Gatchalian said 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.
He also thanked partners from the government and private sectors for their full support – from the inception of the program, the drafting of its guidelines, and ensuring that the agency has enough resources in conceptualizing and implementing the initiative.
Officials and personnel of the DOH led by Undersecretary Gloria Balboa, on behalf of Health Secretary Ted Herbosa, were also present at the event.
The DOH set up mobile clinics to provide participating 4Ps beneficiaries with essential health care services. (PNA)