“Breastfeeding and Family Planning: Keys to Sustainable Development” was the theme for this year’s Breastfeeding Awareness and Family Planning Month. The 2016 Breastfeeding Support Group (BFSG) Assembly conducted by the Department of Health – National Capital Region was held timely for this celebration. Each city/municipality participated in the assemblies conducted per district attended by their BFSGs. To date, there are 3,690 members BFSG members in Metro Manila. The first BFSG assembly was conducted on August 9 at Cuneta Astrodome, Pasay City; the second on August 16 at Taguig City University Auditorium; the third on August 17 at San Andres Gymnasium, Manila; and the fourth on September 14 at the Valenzuela City Amphitheater.

Several topics were discussed during the assembly which included: Breastfeeding Journey: Clinical to Community by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Silvestre of Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina, Inc.; Sharing of the BFSG Competency Assessment in Caloocan City by Ms. Maria Teresa Abando, Nutritionist-Dietitian of Caloocan City; Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal with the BFSG by Ms. Maria Theresa Alvarez of the Department of Health and Luzon Health Project, Breastfeeding and HIV/AIDS by Mr. Kenneth Samaco of HIV/AIDS Support House, Inc., and Karagdagang Pagkain para kay baby, Nutritious Buntis para kay Mommy by Dr. Shari Sabalvaro, IYCF Coordinator of Mandaluyong City.

The NNC-NCR participated in all the BFSG assemblies and distributed its First 1000 Days flyers to all participants to promote the importance of good nutrition during the First 1000 Days.

MARBRM/ NPC MEVF/ NNC NCR