The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts in providing social protection programs and services.
This follows a recent World Bank (WB) report highlighting the Philippines’ lag in human capital development compared to its regional peers.
“Social protection plays an important role in boosting human capital,” stated DSWD External Assistance and Development Assistant Secretary Juan Carlo V. Marquez.
As the lead social protection agency, the DSWD is continuously improving its existing programs and establishing new ones to better serve the Filipino people.
The Importance of Human Capital
Human capital encompasses health, knowledge, skills, and experience acquired throughout one’s life.
It is a critical driver of economic growth and improvements in living standards.
The WB’s report, titled “The Philippines Human Capital Review,” underscores the need for holistic services in the early years.
These services include maternal and child health, nutrition, early education, and social protection, all of which aim at creating an optimal start in life for every child.
Prioritizing Early Development
In response to the WB’s recommendations, the DSWD is focusing on programs for pregnant and nursing women to improve their nutritional status and address infant and child malnutrition.
Assistant Secretary Marquez emphasized that these efforts are important for the development of foundational skills and overall well-being in the early years of life.
Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps)
The DSWD has expanded the cash grants for pregnant and nursing women under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
This expansion aims to improve the nutrition and health of children and mothers during the first 1,000 days.
The 4Ps is a national poverty reduction strategy and human capital investment program providing conditional cash transfers to poor households for up to seven years.
These transfers aim to improve the health, nutrition, and education of their children.
Since 2016, over 32,000 monitored children of the 4Ps have completed their tertiary education, with more than 6,000 passing their respective board examinations.
These graduates have become licensed professionals, contributing to nation-building.
Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program
The Tara, Basa! Tutoring Program is another innovative scheme recently launched by the DSWD.
The Tara! Basa engages 2nd to 4th year college students from low-income families as tutors and Youth Development Workers (YDWs).
The tutors conduct reading sessions for elementary students struggling with literacy.
YDWs provide parenting sessions to help parents and guardians support their children’s education.
In return, these college students receive cash assistance through a cash-for-work scheme.
Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program
The Walang Gutom 2027: Food Stamp Program is designed to address child malnutrition.
Beneficiaries receive Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards loaded with ₱3,000 worth of food credits per month.
These credits can be used to purchase nutritious food from DSWD-accredited retailers.
The program also includes skills training and job fair participation to help beneficiaries become productive citizens.
Attendance at monthly Nutrition Education Sessions is mandatory, teaching beneficiaries how to prepare healthy meals.
Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP)
The DSWD’s Supplementary Feeding Program (SFP) provides food to children aged 3-5 years in Child Development Centers (CDCs) and children aged 2-4 years in Supervised Neighborhood Play (SNP).
Using locally-produced food, the program aims to improve the nutritional status and health education of children, parents, and caregivers.
As of March 30, the SFP has benefited 1,559,459 children for the 13th Cycle, covering the school year 2023 to 2024.
Recent Updates
Recognizing Outstanding LGU-Led Anti-Hunger Efforts at ‘Walang Gutom’ Awards
DSWD Secretary REX Gatchalian and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. honored LGUs with notable anti-hunger efforts at the 2024 ‘Walang Gutom’ Awards ceremony. Secretary Gatchalian highlighted these LGUs as essential allies in achieving a hunger-free Philippines by 2027.
DSWD’s Negosyo Center in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, conducted a Business Expense Savings Training for 4Ps beneficiaries, enhancing their financial management skills. The training utilized the innovative BEST Game tool, providing practical insights for micro-entrepreneurs to boost their businesses. The event received positive feedback from participants, showcasing the impact of DSWD’s efforts in promoting dignified livelihoods for 4Ps households.
DSWD conducts capability building for college student-beneficiaries of state universities and colleges for the “Tara, Basa!” Tutoring Program. This year, 3,881 tutors and youth development workers will participate in the scheme.
DSWD’s Supplementary Feeding Program Benefits 1.5M Filipino Kids
Over 1.5 million children across the Philippines have benefited from the DSWD’s Supplementary Feeding Program for the 2023-2024 school year. Asst. Secretary Irene Dumlao reported that children in Child Development Centers and Supervised Neighborhood Play in 1,169 LGUs have been served.
Conclusion
The DSWD’s commitment to enhancing social protection programs is important for improving human capital development in the Philippines.
By focusing on early childhood development, expanding cash grants, and introducing innovative programs like Tara, Basa! and Walang Gutom 2027, the DSWD aims to provide comprehensive support to Filipino families.
These not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term economic growth and improved living standards.
For more information about these schemes and how to participate, visit the DSWD website or contact your nearest DSWD office.
Invest in your future today by taking advantage of these valuable social protection efforts.