Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is urging the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to reassess the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) due to concerns about child stunting in the Philippines.
He emphasized that, despite the program’s objectives, one-third of Filipino children still suffer from stunted growth as a result of malnutrition.
Cayetano is questioning whether the 4Ps is effectively addressing hunger and malnutrition, highlighting a gap between policy, funding, and actual results.
He pointed out that inadequate early childcare and prenatal interventions are major factors contributing to the high stunting rates in the country.
According to the World Health Organization, stunting is impaired growth caused by poor nutrition and repeated infections, which can lead to long-term consequences such as poor cognition, low educational performance, and reduced productivity in adulthood.
Cayetano cited statistics from UNICEF, stating that 95 children in the Philippines die every day from malnutrition, and 27 out of every 1,000 Filipino children do not survive past their fifth birthday.
The 4Ps program currently supports 4.2 million families, providing at least P750 a month to beneficiaries for improving the health of children and pregnant mothers through check-ups and proper nutrition.
Cayetano emphasized that “DSWD should monitor not only compliance but also whether the program is truly improving children’s nutrition.”
He stressed the importance of ensuring that children are not going to school hungry and questioned whether parents have enough knowledge to make nutritious choices with the grants they receive.
Cayetano referenced a statement from Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who highlighted the significance of early childhood development, especially in the first two years of life.
“It’s crucial to ensure that the funds are truly addressing child stunting and malnutrition, rather than just increasing the funds,” he said.
