Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said the Philippines and Singapore have strengthened cooperation on social protection programs for women, children, and other vulnerable sectors through a newly signed agreement.
The partnership with Singapore’s Ministry of Social and Family Development was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed March 4 on the sidelines of the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Socio-Cultural Community meeting.
Gatchalian said the agreement will allow both countries to exchange best practices on social protection initiatives, including programs focused on the First 1,000 Days of a Child (F1KD).
He noted that Singapore’s approach emphasizes caring for women even before pregnancy—an insight that could help enhance the Philippines’ maternal and child care initiatives.
“If I can borrow the favorite line of (Singapore) Minister Masagos (Zulkifli): ‘You take care of girls, you take care of the country,’” Gatchalian said during the ASCC press briefing in Makati City.
The DSWD chief said the agency has begun implementing the First 1,000 Days grant under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Lessons from Singapore also highlight the need for early interventions to address rising teenage pregnancy and support young mothers, Gatchalian said.
He said that the MOU focuses on sharing knowledge and best practices rather than financial assistance.
Other areas of cooperation include programs for persons with disabilities, learning visits to social service facilities, and joint initiatives to strengthen capacity-building and skills development in social work.
