8 February 2014 (Mandaluyong City) - “All of my four children were breastfed. I know very well the benefits of breastfeeding”, Congresswomen Leah S. Paquiz said in her message during the Breastfeeding Forum and Photo Exhibit held at the Kaban ng Hiyas in Mandaluyong City. Congresswoman Paquiz, Sectoral Representative of Ang Nars Party-list, supports the promotion of breastfeeding and firmly believes in the many benefits of breastfeeding. 

Around 300 participants attended the event composed of Infant and Young ChildFeeding(IYCF) coordinators, breastfeeding support groups, medical nutrition program coordinators, nutritionists-dietitians, barangay nutrition scholars, andbarangay health workersfrom the 17 local government units in Metro Manila.  Also present were the members of the Regional Nutrition Management Group that serves as the technical working group of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC).

All the 17 LGUs were given a certificate of appreciation for protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding as an effective intervention against hunger and malnutrition. The certificates were presented by NNC-NCR Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator Milagros Elisa V. Federizo and Congresswoman Paquiz.

Atty. Jennifer C. Ong from a non-profit organization L.A.T.C.H (Lactation, Attachment, Training, Counseling, Help) discussed how the participants can uphold the Milk Code (E.O. 51) in the barangays. Nutritionist-Dietitians Erlinda F. Iba?ez and Josie Clemens C. Francisco of Quezon City and Pasig City respectively, shared their experienceson Infant Feeding in Emergencies (IFE).  

Also present in the event were PopCom–NCR Regional Director and RNC Vice-Chair Lolito Tacardon and Ms. Beth Dumaran of the Center for Health Development-NCR. Both gave a message of support to the promotion of breastfeeding.

One of the highlights of the event was the photo exhibit on the good practices of the LGUs on IYCF.  This event is part of NNC-NCR’s local media campaign, specifically the promotion of good nutrition.