The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) received the green light from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for the expansion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program’s (4Ps) cash grant to include pregnant and lactating women.
During a Sectoral Meeting held in Malacañang on June 11, President Marcos Jr. endorsed the DSWD’s proposal to integrate a First 1000-day grant into the 4Ps program.
This grant will support beneficiaries who are pregnant, nursing, or have children up to two years old.
The Significance of the Expanded 4Ps Program
The approval of the expanded Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to include pregnant and lactating women marks a major step in addressing maternal and child health in the Philippines.
This expansion is significant for several reasons, backed by relevant statistics and research findings.
Importance of Maternal and Child Health
Maternal and child health is a global priority due to its direct impact on the wellbeing of both mothers and children.
According to UNICEF, approximately 2.3 million children died in their first month of life in 2021, highlighting the vulnerability of newborns (UNICEF DATA).
Additionally, maternal mortality remains an important issue, with an estimated 223 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births worldwide in 2020.
Addressing Malnutrition and Stunting
The expansion of the 4Ps program aims to tackle malnutrition and stunting, which affects about 26.7% of Filipino children under five years old.
Stunting has severe implications for physical and cognitive development, with 80% of brain growth occurring by age two (Gov UK).
The additional grant encourages health-seeking behaviors among beneficiaries, enabling them access to essential health services like prenatal care, immunizations, and nutritional support during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.
Financial Support and Health Incentives
The 4Ps program provides cash assistance under conditions that promote health and education.
For instance, beneficiaries receive cash aid when children attend school and visit health centers for regular check-ups.
With the new expansion, pregnant and lactating women will receive targeted financial support, incentivizing them to utilize healthcare services and thereby reducing risks associated with pregnancy and early childhood
Presidential Support for the Development
“Okay. Yes. Let’s do that. On the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, bring the mother, the family into the system. That’s really good,” President Marcos Jr. said during the meeting attended by various agencies including the DSWD, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the Department of Health (DOH).
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, along with Undersecretaries Vilma Cabrera and Fatima Aliah Dimaporo, expressed gratitude for the President’s approval, highlighting the positive impact on pregnant and lactating mothers, particularly those from poorer backgrounds.
Health Incentives for Beneficiaries
Secretary Gatchalian emphasized that the additional grant aims to encourage health-seeking behavior among beneficiaries.
“This will serve as an incentive for them to visit health centers, register for services, and avail of pre-and post-natal care, post-partum treatment, and immunization for their 0 to 2-year-old children,” Gatchalian explained.
The grant is temporary and specific to 4Ps beneficiaries who are pregnant, nursing, or have children up to two years old.
Addressing Malnutrition and Stunting
The DSWD leads the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger (IATF-ZH), which focuses on implementing and monitoring programs to combat food insecurity and malnutrition.
President Marcos has tasked the DSWD to collaborate with NEDA and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to refine their proposal, enhancing its effectiveness.
Overview of the 4Ps Program
The 4Ps program provides cash aid to household-beneficiaries under specific conditions, such as making sure their children attend school and receive regular medical check-ups.
Beneficiaries receive:
- P300 per child per month for elementary students for 10 months
- P500 per child per month for junior high school students for 10 months
- P700 per child per month for senior high school students for 10 months
Additionally, households get P750 per month for 12 months if their children aged 2 to 14 undergo a growth development and monitoring program and deworming.
Families must also attend monthly family development sessions (FDS).
Support from Malusog at Matalinong Bata Coalition (MMB Coalition)
The MMB Coalition, comprising advocacy groups, academics, and nutrition advocates, has expressed strong support for the DSWD’s proposal.
They highlighted the significant issue of stunting, which affects approximately 26.7% of Filipino children between infancy and five years of age.
Stunting results in restricted growth and cognitive development due to malnutrition, with significant impacts on brain development, particularly in the first two years of life.
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The President has mandated the inclusion of pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the beneficiaries of aid under the 4Ps program. This directive aims to provide support for these mothers during their delicate stages and promote the well-being of both mothers and infants.
Conclusion
The expansion of the 4Ps cash grant to include pregnant and lactating women is a significant step towards improving maternal and child health in the Philippines.
By encouraging health-seeking behaviors and providing financial support, the program aims to combat malnutrition and stunting, allowing for better health outcomes for future generations.
This reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations and underscores the government’s commitment to improving the well-being of all Filipinos.