The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to implement the First 1000 Days (F1KD) program in 2025, offering additional financial aid to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries with pregnant members or children aged 0 to 2 years.
The F1KD grant aims to address the maternal and child health needs during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, a period critical for growth and development. The program is designed to supplement existing 4Ps benefits and improve access to essential health services for vulnerable households.
Shalaine Marie Lucero, DSWD Central Visayas Director, emphasized the importance of updating household profiles to ensure that eligible families receive this cash grant. Pregnant women and those with infants are encouraged to submit necessary documentation such as birth certificates and health certificates to their city or municipal links by October 20, 2024. The financial aid is expected to alleviate issues related to maternal care, child nutrition, and health gaps that can lead to stunted growth or developmental delays.
F1KD Program Targets Maternal and Child Health
The F1KD cash grant is part of the DSWD’s effort to improve health outcomes among 4Ps households, as proposed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The additional funding under this program is intended to complement the PHP750 monthly health grant already provided to 4Ps beneficiaries. The grant’s focus is on the first 1,000 days of life, a critical period for cognitive and physical development. By providing financial support during this time, the DSWD aims to improve prenatal care, ensure proper nutrition, and address health disparities among the most vulnerable populations.
To qualify, beneficiaries are required to undergo a series of health checks, including prenatal visits, immunizations, and growth monitoring for children. The conditions of the F1KD grant have been aligned with the Republic Act 11148, also known as the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act,” ensuring that pregnant mothers receive adequate medical attention and that infants are given essential newborn care. DSWD Undersecretary Vilma Cabrera explained that these conditions are designed to enhance health-seeking behavior and improve access to vital services.
Program Conditionalities for Pregnant Women and Infants
The F1KD program’s conditionalities are focused on improving maternal and child health throughout pregnancy and early childhood. Pregnant beneficiaries must complete at least eight prenatal visits to monitor their health and that of their unborn child. These visits allow access to essential health interventions such as maternal immunizations and micronutrient supplementation. Pregnant women are also advised to deliver their babies in healthcare facilities equipped to handle obstetric emergencies to ensure safe childbirth.
After childbirth, mothers are required to undergo follow-up visits and ensure their newborns receive essential care, including newborn screening, immunizations, and growth monitoring. Infants must receive vaccinations against common diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B, and polio. These health services are available for free at local health centers, public hospitals, and through government-led medical missions. Additionally, families are encouraged to provide nutrient-rich complementary foods to infants starting at six months of age to prevent malnutrition.
Addressing Health Gaps in Vulnerable Communities
The F1KD grant aims to address the significant health gaps faced by low-income families, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. By requiring beneficiaries to meet specific health conditions, the DSWD hopes to improve the overall health and nutrition of both mothers and children. The program emphasizes the importance of prenatal care, immunizations, and regular health check-ups as crucial factors in reducing maternal mortality and child malnutrition.
This initiative also aligns with the broader goals of the Philippine government to improve healthcare access and nutrition services for marginalized populations. By providing financial incentives, the F1KD program encourages families to prioritize health and nutrition, ultimately contributing to better long-term outcomes for children.
Funding and Implementation of the F1KD Program
The F1KD cash grant will be funded through a special provision in the General Appropriations Act and is set to roll out in January 2025. The exact amount of the grant has yet to be determined, but it will be an additional benefit on top of the existing 4Ps health grants. The DSWD is working closely with local government units and health agencies to ensure the smooth implementation of the program.
Beneficiaries are urged to update their household information and comply with the program’s requirements to continue receiving support. The DSWD remains committed to enhancing the quality of life for 4Ps families by providing access to healthcare and improving nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
Video: First 1000 Days of Life Infomercial
The DSWD’s new initiative for 4Ps members, the First 1000 Days (F1KD) program, is a program designed to offer financial aid to pregnant women and young children. This video from the National Nutrition Council Official—Philippines explains the significance of the F1KD grant and its importance in the period of child development.