“First 1000 Days ni Baby Pahalagahan Para sa Malusog na Kinabukasan” is tagged as this year’s nutrition month theme -- to focus on the importance of improving provision of appropriate interventions in the first 1000 days of life. The month-long celebration was launched by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) last July 5, 2016 at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.

The province of Quezon was chosen to be the venue for the launching because   the province, (together with Lucena City) is included in the priority areas targeted under the Early Childhood Care and Development Intervention Package for the First 1000 Days (ECCD IP/1000 Days). The province is also implementing the “Quezon First 1000 Days of Life Program, otherwise known as the Q1K Program.

It was conceptualized by Governor David C. Suarez when international organizations revealed through a study that for a nation to rise above poverty, significant interventions on human development must commence from conception until the First 1000 Days of Life of a person. The program ensures that the pregnant mother together with children up to 2 years get adequate information and health interventions during this period.

In the speech of Gov. Suarez during the National Nutrition Month Launching, he expressed his willingness to collaborate with the National Nutrition Council in sharing their experience in implementing the program to other local government units (LGUs). He also emphasized the importance of prioritizing investment in human resources through the programs for the First 1000 Days of life which in turn will create positive impact in the economic development of the community later on. With these, he encouraged every stakeholder towards capitalizing on nutrition. He said, “We urge other local chief executives, nutrition action officers and other stakeholders to recognize the importance of proper nutrition in the first 1000 days of life of a child through the strong implementation of programs that will secure the first 1000 days of life – for a child that is properly nourished is the country’s most precious asset.”

The Provincial Government of Quezon was also recognized during the launching `by the National Nutrition Council for their support to the First 1000 Days Program.