The National Nutrition Council-National Capital Region (NNC-NCR) together with the 17 local government units (LGU) in NCR recently conducted simultaneous activity to promote the importance of good nutrition in the First 1000 days among pregnant, lactating women and mothers of children 0-2 years old, held in celebration of the Nutrition Month this July.

Participated in by the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), every LGU and its Nutrition Committee spearheaded the activity in their respective localities. According to NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo, the First 1000 Days, starting from the first day of conception until the 2nd birthday of the child, is considered as the “golden window of opportunity” for nutrition and related interventions to have a positive impact on the child’s physical and mental development.

“The First 1000 Days is the period of the child’s life where growth and development is most rapid. If the child is not given the right nutrition and child care during this period, it may cause long-term consequences such as stunting which is irreversible. Stunted children who are small for their age or “bansot” have poor mental and physical development and get sick often. Providing the child good nutrition and care during the First 1000 Days will give the child the right start in life that can last a lifetime”, added Federizo.

Highlights of the activity include mini-lecture and interactive games among mothers including dance exercise using the nutrition month jingle.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco and Mayor Miguel F. Ponce led the event in Navotas City and Municipality of Pateros, respectively, while the other cities were represented by their respective Nutrition Action Officers and local Nutrition Program Coordinators.

NNC-NCR staff and members of the Regional Nutrition Management Group witnessed the event and lent support to the local nutrition committee in the conduct of the event.

By virtue of Section 7 of Presidential Decree No. 491 or the “Nutrition Act of the Philippines” signed into law on 25 June 1974, July is designated as the Nutrition Month (NM). This year, the NM focuses on the First 1000 Days with the theme “First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan.” It aims to create awareness on the significance of good maternal nutrition and proper infant and young child feeding practices, particularly, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and giving of appropriate complementary foods on the 6th month while continuing breastfeeding, and the continuum of services in early childhood care and development.

(TAR/NPC MEVF/NNCNCR)