The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has officially boosted its financial assistance for the country’s most vulnerable households by substantially raising the cash grants under the First 1,000 Days (F1KD) initiative.
Enacted through Memorandum Circular No. 10, Series of 2026, the updated policy more than doubles the monthly stipend for qualified Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, increasing it from ₱350 to ₱750.
This beefed-up financial aid is dedicated entirely to the medical and nutritional needs of pregnant women and infants during a period widely recognized by healthcare professionals as the most vital phase for physical and brain development.
The initial distribution phase began on July 9, benefiting over 5,500 newly registered households who received their payouts for the May-June cycle via Land Bank cash cards and electronic wallets.
The subsidy adjustment addresses the surging prices of basic commodities and medical care, which had made the previous financial allocation inadequate. According to 4Ps National Program Manager Mary Rose Oquindo Pasibi, the rate hike serves as a vital investment in the long-term well-being of the nation.
“The increase demonstrates the government’s continued investment in building healthier Filipino families,” Pasibi said.
She underscored that the updated guidelines are designed to safeguard the welfare of the next generation.
“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,” she added.
As the DSWD aims to cover more than 180,000 beneficiaries across the country this year, the agency is advising families to keep their profile details up to date. To keep receiving the higher grant, beneficiary households must comply with core program rules, which mandate regular prenatal medical visits, delivering babies in accredited birthing facilities, and completing all required vaccinations for children up to two years old.
By simplifying registration via the I Registro portal and local social welfare branches, the DSWD seeks to significantly reduce childhood stunting and malnutrition.
This initiative remains a cornerstone of the state’s premier social protection framework, fulfilling the statutory mandate of the 4Ps Act to champion human capital development from birth.