The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Tuesday said qualified beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) have begun receiving the increased First 1,000 Days (F1KD) cash grant under the expanded benefit package provided in Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2026.
Under the expanded package, the monthly F1KD cash grant has increased from PHP350 to PHP750 for eligible 4Ps family members to further strengthen support for maternal and child health and nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
The initial release, which began on July 9, covers 5,536 newly qualified F1KD beneficiaries who will receive the higher cash grant for the first time under the expanded package.
Existing F1KD beneficiaries already receiving the grant will start getting the increased amount beginning Pay Period 3 (May-June 2026), in line with the implementation schedule under Memorandum Circular No. 10, series of 2026.
The DSWD said the rollout is expected to benefit more than 180,000 qualified beneficiaries nationwide this year.
Eligible beneficiaries will receive the increased monthly grant through their Land Bank of the Philippines cash cards or registered e-wallet accounts.
The F1KD cash grant is an additional financial assistance provided to qualified 4Ps households to help address the health and nutrition needs of pregnant women and young children during the first 1,000 days of life, a critical period for a child’s physical growth, brain development and overall well-being.
Lawyer Mary Rose Oquindo-Pasibi, 4Ps national program manager, said the increase reflects the government’s continued investment in improving the health of Filipino families.
“By increasing the F1KD Cash Grant, we are strengthening our investment in the health and nutrition of pregnant women and young children. This reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Filipino child has the best possible start in life,” Oquindo-Pasibi said in a statement Tuesday.
The DSWD said the increase was approved after the program determined that the previous grant amount was no longer sufficient to cover the rising costs of food, medicines, vitamins, transportation and other essential needs of pregnant women and young children.
To remain eligible, beneficiaries must continue complying with F1KD conditions, including regular prenatal and postnatal checkups, facility-based delivery assisted by skilled health professionals, regular child health consultations, and age-appropriate immunization for children aged 0 to 24 months.
Oquindo-Pasibi urged active 4Ps households with eligible members to promptly update their family information by submitting the Beneficiary Updating System (BUS) Form 5 to their assigned City or Municipal Link or through the I-Registro online self-service platform.
Supporting documents, such as birth certificates for children aged 0 to 24 months or medical certificates for pregnant members, are required when updating records.
Under existing Beneficiary Data Management System policies, a Certificate of Live Birth may be accepted in place of a birth certificate, while a Health Certificate issued by a Rural Health Unit or Barangay Health Station may be submitted instead of a medical certificate.
The F1KD strategy strengthens the health and nutrition component of the 4Ps by supporting healthy pregnancies, promoting proper nutrition during early childhood, and helping prevent stunting, malnutrition and other nutrition-related health concerns during the first 1,000 days of life.
Implemented under Republic Act 11310, or the 4Ps Act, the program continues to invest in the health, education and overall development of poor and vulnerable Filipino families through responsive and evidence-based social protection interventions. (PNA)
