The Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) new cash grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) is an investment toward a brighter future — where children are freed from stunting and malnutrition, and empowered to reach their full potential and become productive citizens of the society.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized this in his message during the official launch of the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) of Life cash grant on Friday (February 21), which gathered over 50 pregnant women and 0-2 years old children from select areas in Quezon City, San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan, and San Mateo and Rodriguez towns in Rizal province.
“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,” the DSWD chief said in a pre-recorded message aired during the F1KD launch at the Central Office.
The F1KD, according to Secretary Gatchalian, is intended to give support to 4Ps households who have pregnant women or children 0-2 years old, ensuring that they would seek health services and address the needs of children in their first 1,000 days of life.
Now officially launched, it is set to benefit more than 68,000 individuals from 4Ps households nationwide.
“Simula ngayong taon, sa pamamagitan ng F1KD, makapagbibigay tayo ng karagdagang cash grant sa mga qualified 4Ps households, kasabay din ng pagtiyak na magkaroon sila ng access sa mga mahahalagang serbisyo sa usaping pangkalusugan at nutrisyon,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
On top of health grants received by the 4Ps households, pregnant and lactating mothers are entitled to Php350, which they may use to access healthcare services during their conception, and until their child reaches the age of 2.
Secretary Gatchalian said the F1KD is conditional like all of the grants 4Ps members are receiving from the government, as he urged beneficiaries to use these to the best interest of their children.
Conditionalities of the grant include accessing pre-natal services at DOH-accredited health facilities, tracking pregnancy and receiving ante-natal care services, child-birthing or delivery at DOH-accredited health facility, attending post-natal visits, participating in counseling sessions, and obtaining micronutrient supplements and immunizations.
“Alam kong makikiisa sa atin ang ating mga 4Ps beneficiaries sa ating hangarin na bigyang halaga ang kalusugan ng mga bata, simula pa lamang noong sila ay ipinagbubuntis pa lamang hanggang sa First 1,000 days ng kanilang paglaki,” the DSWD chief said.
Secretary Gatchalian thanked partners from both 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.
“Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng ating mga partners na patuloy na nagiging katuwang natin sa layuning ito,” Secretary Gatchalian said.
Officials and personnel from the Department of Health (DOH) led by Undersecretary Gloria Balboa, on behalf of DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa, were also present at the event.
The DOH set up their mobile clinics to provide participating 4Ps beneficiaries with essential healthcare services.
Other partners present were the National Nutrition Council (NCC); Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST); Department of Agriculture (DA); National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); Commission on Higher Education (CHED); National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), Philippine Commission on Women (PCW),Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA); Commission on Population and Development (CPD); World Bank; UNICEF; and the Australian Embassy. (LSJ)