The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has introduced new financial aid measures for pregnant women and young children as part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Following a directive from DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the program’s National Program Management Office (NPMO) is set to expedite the implementation of grants for the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) initiative.
This new initiative supports President Marcos’ recent proposal, highlighted in his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 22. The proposal aims to include additional benefits in the 2025 national budget for pregnant and nursing mothers under the 4Ps program. The expanded benefits are designed to provide increased financial assistance, ensuring better access to healthcare, vaccinations, and nutrition during pregnancy and early childhood.
Earlier this year, Secretary Gatchalian and 4Ps program head DSWD Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera suggested increasing the existing grants and introducing a new cash grant specifically for the crucial first 1,000 days of a child’s life. The proposed adjustments are intended to boost the purchasing power of 4Ps beneficiaries and enhance compliance with program requirements to combat malnutrition and stunting.
Currently, 4Ps households receive a monthly health grant of P750, provided children aged two to 14 participate in growth monitoring, deworming, and family development sessions. Education grants are also available, with P300 per month for elementary students, P500 per month for junior high school students, and P700 per month for senior high school students, all conditional on school attendance. Additionally, a rice subsidy of P600 per month is provided to each household.