Antique: A total of 1,224 pregnant mothers and children aged 0 to 2 years from Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary households in Antique have registered for an additional cash grant under the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) First 1,000 Days (F1KD) program. Antique 4Ps Provincial Link official Jeffrey Gabucay stated in an interview that registration for the F1KD program began last month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative provides an additional PHP350 monthly cash grant to pregnant mothers and young children in 4Ps households, on top of the existing PHP750 monthly health grant. ‘To qualify, beneficiaries must comply with program conditions, including prenatal check-ups for pregnant mothers and regular health check-ups for children,’ Gabucay said.

He emphasized that beneficiaries must adhere to the conditions of the F1KD program, which include completing prenatal check-ups for pregnant mothers and regular health check-ups for children. The F1KD program is designed to ensure proper nutrition during a child’s first 1,000 days, a crucial period for growth and development, helping prevent stunting.

The cash grant can be used for food, vitamins, and other essential needs, offering significant support to beneficiary households. Antique currently has around 16,344 4Ps beneficiary households, highlighting the importance of this additional financial assistance.