San Fernando City, La Union – NNC Regional Office I in partnership with the Department of Health Regional Office I, Provincial Nutrition Office of La Union, Regional League of Nutrition Action Officers (RLNAOs), LUPang Ilocos BNS Federation, Inc., and District/City Nutrition Program Coordinators Association of the Philippines (D/CNPCAP)-Region I Chapter successfully launched the 2016 Nutrition Month last 1 July 2016 in San Gabriel, La Union.
This year’s theme “First 1000 Days ni baby pahalagahan para sa malusog na kinabukasan” highlights the First 1000 days of life, starting from the first day of conception until the 2nd birthday of the child which globally is considered as the “golden window of opportunity” for interventions that aim to achieve maximum potential of a child’s growth and development.
Hundred thirteen (113) pregnant and lactating mothers in the municipality availed various health and nutrition services such as nutrition counselling, pre and post-natal consultations and dental check-ups provided by medical practitioners from the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITMRC), Provincial Health and Nutrition Offices of La Union and the Rural Health Unit of San Gabriel, La Union.
Aside from medical consultations, each pregnant/lactating mothers received first aid kit, micronutrient powder from the Department of Health RO I, seeds and seedlings from the Department of Agriculture-RO I, iodized salt from the Federation of D/CNPC, Inc., iron supplements from the Rural Health Unit of San Gabriel, five (5) kilos of iron fortified rice from the Provincial Government of La Union, and IEC materials from the National Commission for Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) RO I and NNC RO I.
In his message, newly elected Mayor of San Gabriel, La Union, Honorable Herminigildo M. Velasco emphasized the importance of investing for health and nutrition especially during the First 1000 days of a child and assured to support all endeavors and initiatives in improving the health and nutritional status of the people in San Gabriel.
Dr. Hector T. Beñas, Provincial Health Officer of La Union and Dr. Ronia Aragon, Chief of Family Health Cluster of DOH1 delivered messages in behalf of Honorable Governor Emmanuel Francisco R. Ortega III andRegional Director Myrna C. Cabotaje, Chair of the Regional Nutrition Committee (RNC). In their messages, Honorable Ortega and Director Cabotaje emphasized the significance of good maternal nutrition and encouraged pregnant and lactating mothers including “soon to be” mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding from birth to 6 months and giving appropriate complementary foods on the 6th month of the child while continuing breastfeeding.
The activity was highlighted with the signing of Pledge of Commitment to Support the First 1000 Days ni baby interventions and initiatives led by Honorable Mayor Velasco, followed by partners from the different Regional Line Agencies, Non-Government Organizations, media partners, Nutrition Action Officers, District City Nutrition Program Coordinators and Barangays Nutrition Scholars, among others. (MEBB) (See more photos here)
