The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has launched its First 1,000 Days (F1KD) program, a conditional cash grant aimed at supporting households during the critical early development of children.
The F1KD initiative is part of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and targets pregnant women and children aged 0 to 2 years old registered under 4Ps.
“Ito ay nagkakahalaga ng P350 per month para ma incentivise o mabigyan sila ng drive para bigyang halaga yung pabibigay ng nutrition at bigyang halaga yung kalusugan yung first 1,000 days ng buhay ng isang bata,” DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao told Super Radyo dzBB on Sunday.
(This grant amounts to P350 per month to incentivize and encourage beneficiaries to prioritize nutrition and health during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.)
She emphasized that the program plays a vital role in ensuring that pregnant and lactating women, as well as young children, gain access to comprehensive healthcare services in line with Republic Act 11148, also known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.
“Itong first 1,000 days na conditional cash grant ay magiging instrumental sa pag-eensure na maa-access nung mga nanay, nung mga bata yung comprehensive healthcare services na para sa mga pregnant, lactating women at para sa mga bata alisunod sa RA 11148 o Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act,” Dumlao added.
(The first 1,000 days conditional cash grant will be instrumental in ensuring that mothers and their children access essential healthcare services, including those designed for pregnant and lactating women and young children under RA 11148 or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.)
To qualify for the cash grant, beneficiaries must meet certain conditions, including:
- accessing pre-natal care at Department of Health (DOH)-accredited facilities,
- undergoing pregnancy monitoring and ante-natal care,
- attending post-natal visits,
- participating in counseling sessions, and
- receiving micronutrient supplements and immunizations.
In a Viber message to GMA News Online, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed that the program rollout began on January 1, 2025.
As of December 31, 2024, there were 4.2 million active 4Ps household beneficiaries, according to Dumlao. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
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