THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has started releasing the expanded First 1,000 Days (F1KD) cash grant, increasing the monthly benefit for qualified Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries from P350 to P750.
The agency said the initial rollout covers 5,536 newly qualified F1KD beneficiaries, who will receive the enhanced grant for the first time under Memorandum Circular 10, Series of 2026.
Existing F1KD beneficiaries will also begin receiving the increased monthly grant of P750 starting with Pay Period 3 (May-June 2026), in line with the phased implementation of the expanded cash grant package.
More than 180,000 qualified beneficiaries nationwide are expected to receive the increased F1KD cash grant this year through their Land Bank of the Philippines cash cards or registered e-wallet accounts.
The F1KD cash grant provides additional financial assistance to eligible 4Ps families to support the health and nutrition needs of pregnant women and children during the first 1,000 days of life, a critical stage in a child's growth and development.
4Ps National Program Manager Mary Rose Oquindo-Pasibi said the increase reflects the government's continued commitment to improving maternal and child health.
"By increasing the F1KD Cash Grant, we are strengthening our investment in the health and nutrition of pregnant women and young children, and this reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that every Filipino child has the best possible start in life," Pasibi said.
The DSWD approved the higher grant after determining that the previous P350 monthly assistance was no longer sufficient to cover the rising costs of food, medicines, vitamins, transportation, and other essential needs of pregnant women and young children.
The department reminded beneficiaries to continue complying with the program's health conditions, including regular prenatal and postnatal checkups, facility-based delivery, child health consultations, and age-appropriate immunization, to remain eligible for the grant.
The DSWD also urged active 4Ps beneficiaries with qualified family members to update their records through their assigned City or Municipal Link or the I-Registro online platform to ensure the continuous release of their enhanced F1KD cash grants.
