ICYMI: Expecting 4Ps Mom-Members Will Receive Additional Monthly Support

Expecting mothers and those with children aged 0 to 2 years old who are members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will receive an additional P350 per month starting January 1, 2025, as part of the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) program. This initiative, also under 4Ps, aims to provide essential financial assistance to pregnant women and young children to ensure proper healthcare and nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

The First 1,000 Days

The first 1,000 days quite literally refer to the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, covering the period of pregnancy until the child’s second birthday. It is considered a critical period for their development and health. Proper nutrition and healthcare this time can have long-lasting effects on a child’s cognitive, physical, and emotional well-being. To support this, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has allocated a conditional cash grant to help families meet these vital needs.

In an interview, DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao emphasized the significance of the grant, saying, “Itong first 1,000 days na conditional cash grant ay magiging instrumental sa pag-eensure na ma-aaccess nung mga nanay, nung mga bata yung comprehensive healthcare services na para sa mga pregnant, lactating women at para sa mga bata alinsunod sa RA 11148 o Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.”

She further explained, “Ito ay nagkakahalaga ng P350 per month para ma-incentivise o mabigyan sila ng drive para bigyang halaga yung pagbibigay ng nutrition at bigyang halaga yung kalusugan yung first 1,000 days ng buhay ng isang bata.”

How to Qualify for the F1KD Cash Grant

Registered 4Ps members who are pregnant or have children aged 0 to 2 years old are eligible for the F1KD grant. To qualify, beneficiaries must follow specific 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.
• Receiving micronutrient supplements and immunizations.

By meeting these requirements, mother beneficiaries ensure the well-being of both themselves and their children during this critical period.

The Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act

In the interview, Dumlao emphasized that the F1KD initiative aligns with Republic Act 11148, also known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, which underscores the importance of maternal and infant health. One of its goals is to “provide comprehensive, sustainable, multisectoral strategies and approaches to address health and nutrition problems of newborns, infants and young children, pregnant and lactating women and adolescent females, as well as multi-factorial issues that negatively affect the development of newborns, infantsand young children.” The law was signed more than 5 years ago.

How Parents Can Benefit from the Program

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian confirmed in a Viber message to GMA News online that the rollout of the F1KD program began on January 1, 2025. As of late last year, there are 4.4 million active 4Ps household beneficiaries.

Previously, the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) released a position paper on the importance of the first 1000 days, stating, “The first 1000 days is a period when a child has increased nutritional needs to support rapid physical growth and mental development.” Here are a few PPS-recommended tips on maximizing this crucial period:

Tips for Parents During the First 1,000 Days

During Pregnancy:

Take your doctor-recommended vitamins and minerals supplements: PPS recommends Filipino pregnant women to take an iron-folate-calcium multi-micronutrients supplement. Folic acid reduces the risk of serious birth defects including spina bifida; calcium supports baby’s bone growth and can reduce preeclampsia risks for moms; and iron prevents anemia and low birth weight.

Regularly go for checkups: Pregnant women should at least have four doctor visits for normal or uncomplicated pregnancies. These should be during the fourth, sixth, eighth, and ninth month of their pregnancy.

Newborn:

Delay cord clamping: PPS recommends to wait for one to three minutes before clamping the newborn’s umbilical cord as studies show that the additional blood flow from the placenta is beneficial to infants.

Practice the “Unang Yakap” protocol: Also known as “kangaroo mother care,” the DOH and PPS both recommend Unang Yakap or skin-to-skin contact between moms and their newborns right after birth and in short periods during the day or night afterward.It can promote exclusive breastfeeding, mother-infant bonding, and increases the newborn’s protection against infection.

Undergo newborn screening: All newborns are highly recommended to undergo newborn screening, which tests for a range of genetic, metabolic, and infectious conditions.

Babies and Toddlers:

Breastfeed for as long as possible: PPS advocates for continued breastfeeding and Tamang Kain–which is the introduction of complementary solid food.

Supplement as needed: PPS recommends that parents ensure their child gets the recommended vitamins and minerals for their age, such as a dose of vitamin K for newborns, and vitamin A and iron for young kids to lower the risk of diarrhea, measles, anemia, and iron deficiency.

Vaccinate: PPS recommends parents to follow the childhood immunization schedule to ensure that their children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and polio. The schedule specifies that vaccines such as the DPT-Hib-Hep B, oral polio (OPV), pneumococcal conjugate (PCV), rotavirus, measles, and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines are given during the child’s first two years of life, while the BCG and hepatitis B vaccines are given at birth.

By actively participating in the F1KD program and following these expert recommendations, parents can maximize the grant’s benefits and raise healthy children.

Read here to learn how breastmilk serves as babies’ first immunization.