The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 2 has been monitoring the implementation of the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) program and best practices in the region.
Some members of the council went to some selected municipalities that have good implementation and innovation on the program, particularly Isabela and Cagayan province which was identified as convergence area for the IYCF program, particularly Alicia, Benito Soliven, and Penablanca, Cagayan
The IYCF program was formulated to address these problems on IYCF practices. It aimed to improve the nutritional status and health of children especially the under 3 years old and consequently reduce infant and under 5 years old mortality.
Specifically, its objectives were to improve, protect, and promote IYCF practices, increase political commitment at all levels, provide a supportive environment and ensure its sustainability.
Rhodora Guevarra Maestre, nutrition program coordinator, said there are a lot of municipalities that are seriously implementing IYCF in the region and several have introduced innovations to sustain the program in a collaborative effort with stakeholders up to the barangay level.
During the field monitoring and evaluation, NNC staff noted significant initiatives in the implementation of the project. This includes mobilization of the barangay nutrition scholars, barangay health workers, barangay officials, school officials and other stakeholders in educating the parents on the right infant and child feeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, and adequate and appropriate complementary feeding with continued breastfeeding.
The group further noticed that each barangay has institutionalized conduct of supplemental feeding program to malnourished children through the strong linkage with private companies and organizations, as well as the regular information drive to mothers on rearing and caring.
Maestre stressed that IYCF is very vital as it is considered as the strongest investment in ensuring good health and nutrition of children up to the time they will grow older. She emphasized further that good health and nutrition of children will result into a productive Filipino citizenry in the future.
