28,000 pregnant women to benefit 4Ps expansion

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Saturday said at least 28,000 pregnant women are expected to benefit from the expansion of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao noted that the number may still change as the data was only used to estimate the additional funding needed.

Currently, as of May 31, 2024 from the Pantawid Pamilya Information System, we have monitored 28,004 pregnant women nationwide, Dumalo told The STAR in a chance interview.

But this might still change. The data was used to estimate how much we would require for funding, she added.

President Marcos recently approved the DSWD s proposal to provide cash grants to pregnant and lactating women under the 4Ps.

The DSWD said the approved proposal seeks to encourage pregnant and lactating women to provide for the health needs of their children during the first 1,000 days of their lives.

Marcos has ordered the DSWD and the National Economic and Development Authority to determine the monthly stipend of the beneficiaries.

Dumlao said the target implementation date of the approved proposal remains indefinite as amendments to the 4Ps Act would have to be made. However, Dumlao said the agency was assured that the approved proposal will be prioritized.

Currently, were working with Congress for the amendment of the 4Ps Act. Considering that we are adding additional cash grants, Congress has to allocate funds for that. And before they could do that, amendment of the law would be necessary, Dumlao explained.

The (timeline) has not been discussed yet, but we were able to get assurance that it would be prioritized, she added.

The DSWD proposed the expansion of the 4Ps in February to cover the first 1,000 days of children. —  Philippine Star News Service/FPL (FREEMAN)