The Malabon City Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Ordinance No. A11-2016 “Prescribing the Local Policy and Guidelines” strengthened the city’s implementation and promotion of breastfeeding. Program budget was increased to finance different IYCF activities and encouraged health workers to promote compliance to Executive Order 51 and Republic Act 10028 in health facilities.
As part of the IYCF promotion of the city, the Malabon City Nutrition Committee and World Vision conducted the very first Search for Breastfeeding Ambassadress on September 26, 2018 at the Penthouse, Malabon City Hall. The search aims to have an ambassadress who will support and promote IYCF in the whole City of Malabon. As a breastfeeding ambassador, her voice can influence others to support IYCF and help increase the percentage of mothers practicing breastfeeding. All candidates should meet the following criteria: practiced exclusive breastfeeding from birth up to 6 months and continued breastfeeding until 2 years and beyond; willingness to support the city in promoting IYCF in 21 barangays; and willingness to join any breastfeeding activities of the city government. Moreover, they were also required to present their baby books as proof that their babies are growing healthy based on the results of growth monitoring.
Each barangay had one (1) representative recommended by the Barangay Nutrition Committee and health center to compete for the title. There were 21 breastfeeding mother candidates who joined the search. Most of the candidates breastfed their kids up to 5 to 7 years (based on the 1 on 1 interview).
A question and answer portion focusing on the candidates’ insights and experiences on breastfeeding was one of the highlights of the event.
Ms. Mary Joyce Fulgencio of Barangay Panghulo won the title as 2018 Breastfeeding Ambassadress. Ms. Carla Arzaga of Brgy. Tugatog finished as 1st Runner-up while Ms. Jannine Dollar as 2nd Runner-up. FL/CNAO Chef Melissa Sison-Oreta and Hon. Mayor Antolin A. Oreta III awarded the diamond crowns, sashes, trophies (donated by World Vision) and cash prizes to all winners.
Last September 27, 2018, the 3 winners/ambassadress had an orientation on Infant and Young Child Feeding to further increase their knowledge on breastfeeding to prepare them before they start their duties as BF Ambassadress of Malabon City. (TAR/NPC MEVF/NNC-NCR)
Written by: Mr. Fidel Baltazar P. Dela Cruz, Nutritionist-Dietitian II, Malabon City
Mr. Dela Cruz is a member of the Regional Nutrition Writers' Guild and C/DNPC of Metro Manila Association, Inc.
