In a groundbreaking move to tackle stunting and malnutrition, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has introduced the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) of Life initiative under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Launched at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City, this program aims to empower children to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
The F1KD program offers an additional PHP350 to 4Ps households with pregnant women or children aged 0-2 years, on top of existing health grants. This financial boost is designed to encourage families to utilize health services and meet the critical needs of children during their first 1,000 days of life. The launch event saw 50 initial beneficiaries from various regions, including Quezon City, San Jose del Monte City in Bulacan, and San Mateo and Rodriguez towns in Rizal, receiving their two-month cash grants.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian emphasized the program’s goal to ensure that every child in a 4Ps household has the opportunity to grow and thrive. He stated, “By providing this additional support, we aim to ensure that children of each 4Ps household will be given a chance to reach their full potential. The DSWD believes that an investment for the future of the youth is an investment for the country’s future.”
The F1KD program, which is set to benefit over 68,000 individuals from 4Ps households nationwide, comes with conditionalities. These include accessing pre-natal services, tracking pregnancy, receiving ante-natal care, delivering at accredited health facilities, attending post-natal visits, participating in counseling sessions, and obtaining necessary supplements and immunizations.
The launch was supported by a wide array of partners from both the government and private sectors, including the Department of Health (DOH), which set up mobile clinics to provide essential health care services. Other collaborators included the National Nutrition Council, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Agriculture, and several international organizations like the World Bank and the United Nations Children’s Fund.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in the fight against child stunting and malnutrition, promising a healthier future for the nation’s youth.