FIRST 1000 DAYS. A social worker interviews a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program beneficiary to update her records in preparation for the implementation of the First 1000 Days (F1KD) program for pregnant members or children aged 0 to 2 years. DSWD 7 (Central Visayas) Director Shalaine Marie Lucero on Friday (Oct. 4, 2024) said that 4Ps families with members who are pregnant or children aged 0 to 2 years could get additional cash grants in 2025 under the F1KD program. (Photo courtesy of DSWD-7)
CEBU CITY – Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P) families in Central Visayas who have pregnant members or children aged 0 to 2 years should update their records for them to qualify for next year’s First 1000 Days (F1KD) conditional cash grant.
Shalaine Marie Lucero, director of the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWD) 7 (Central Visayas), said the agency is updating household profiles in preparation for the rollout of the F1KD program in 2025.
“The updating of household profiles is important to ensure that we cover all active 4Ps household beneficiaries with pregnant members and have children not more than two years old for the implementation of the First 1000 Days or F1KD next year,” Lucero said in an interview.
Aside from filling out the beneficiary updating system form, the target 4Ps household beneficiaries would need to submit documentary requirements.
She said they need to submit a birth certificate or local civil registry of the child and either the medical certificate or health certificate of the pregnant member issued by the Rural Health Unit or Barangay Health Station.
Lucero said beneficiaries should visit their city or municipal links before Oct. 20.
The F1KD grant will be implemented beginning January 2025, with funds allocated through a special provision in the General Appropriations Act.
Lucero said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian proposed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. the F1KD conditional cash grant as additional financial support under 4Ps to assist households during the critical first 1,000 days of child development.
This grant, the amount of which has yet to be announced, intends to address significant gaps in maternal and child health, such as inadequate prenatal care and nutritional deficiencies, which can lead to stunted growth and developmental delays in children, she said. (PNA)
