THE House Committee on Poverty Alleviation, chaired by 1-PACMAN Party-list Rep. Michael Romero, PhD, convened on Thursday to address persistent food insecurity among beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), particularly pregnant women and young children, despite existing government support.
Committee Secretary Ma. Lourdes Mendoza delivered Romero’s message, underscoring that the nation’s success is built on the productivity of its people, and that productivity begins with good health and proper education.
However, Romero received reports that many beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) continue to struggle with food insecurity, even with health and nutrition grants.
“Paano natin aasahan na maging produktibo at malusog ang mga taong gutom at kulang sa nutrition?” he asked.
He called on the 4Ps parent leaders to make full use of the assistance provided to them. He also stressed that the recent P350 monthly cash grant increase for families with pregnant women and young children should translate into better nutrition.
GABRIELA Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas took the discussion further, urging participants to view the issue beyond food intake.
“Tayo at ang ating komunidad ay dapat kaisa rito. Dapat din nating kilalanin na ang isyu ng maternal at child health ay hindi lamang medikal na usapin. Ito ay usapin ng karapatang pantao, katarungang panlipunan, at pangkalahatang pag-unlad ng bansa,” she said.
4Ps Party-list Rep. JC Abalos cited the role of parent leaders, and expressed confidence in their ability to effectively disseminate information and ensure the proper implementation of the 4Ps program.
“Ang mga parent leaders ang magiging pangunahing tagapaghatid ng mahalagang impormasyon sa kanilang kapwa benepisyaryo. Bilang haligi ng edukasyon at tagapagtaguyod ng mas magandang kalusugan sa inyong komunidad, mahalaga ang inyong papel,” he said.
National Nutrition Council (NNC) Assistant Secretary Dr. Azucena Milana-Dayanghirang discussed Republic Act 11148, or the “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act” in depth, emphasizing that proper nutrition is very important in the first 1,000 days of infants because undernutrition during this critical period leads to stunted growth, weak cognitive development, ultimately lowering socio-economic attainment.
Department of Health (DOH) Supervising Health Program Officer Luz Tagunicar enumerated the different health programs available and made accessible to the public, particularly poor families who cannot afford them. She urged the 4Ps beneficiaries to avail of them to improve their health and nutrition.
DOH Supervising Science Research Specialist Ma. Lilibeth Dasco then introduced “Pinggang Pinoy,” a practical visual guide designed to help 4Ps families plan balanced meals especially for children and pregnant mothers.
DSWD 4Ps National Program Manager Director Gemma Gabuya discussed the F1K Program that entails the provision of 350 peso-monthly cash grant to 4Ps households with pregnant mother and baby up to two years old. She reiterated the value of proper use of this additional health grant to provide for the nutritional requirements of mother and baby.
4Ps parent leaders also engaged with guest speakers to share their personal nutrition challenges.
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