The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has recently announced the release of new guidelines for the implementation of the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) of Life conditional cash grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). This initiative aims to enhance the health and nutritional status of young children and pregnant women within the 4Ps community.
Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao of DSWD emphasized that the F1KD grant is designed to improve health-seeking behaviors among 4Ps beneficiaries and address the critical needs of young children to combat stunting and malnutrition. The DSWD’s commitment aligns with the Marcos administration’s broader objectives to reduce hunger and enhance the nutritional well-being of the underprivileged.
The F1KD cash grant, as outlined in DSWD’s Memorandum Circular No. 1 series of 2025, signed by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, will provide monthly health grants of PHP350 to eligible pregnant women and households with children aged 0 to 2 years. These grants are conditional, requiring beneficiaries to adhere to specific health protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH) and the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.
Compliance with these conditions includes attending pre-natal and post-natal services, giving birth at DOH-accredited facilities, participating in counseling, and ensuring children receive necessary micronutrient supplements and immunizations. Health facilities will monitor compliance, which will determine the disbursement of the monthly grants.
Special provisions have been made for beneficiaries in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs), where compliance might be challenging. In such cases, health workers will implement measures to ensure that these beneficiaries receive the necessary health and nutrition interventions, and they will be considered compliant with the F1KD conditions, thus eligible for the cash grants.
The 4Ps F1KD program is scheduled to commence this month, marking a significant step forward in the government’s efforts to improve the health outcomes of its most vulnerable populations.