Twenty mothers   from  the community of indigenous peoples (IP)  in Barangay Del Rosario, Buenavista, Quezon, were among  the priority beneficiaries  of the  two batches of the recent  “Idol Ko si Nanay”  Learning Sessions  under   the  Early Childhood Care and Development in the First 1000 Days (ECCD F1K) Program.  

A number of encouraging feedback were shared by the participants despite challenges encountered.  Ms. Rosalie Pañoso, 32, who attended the first batch, initially experienced hardship  due to the pandemic and the long travel and distance  to the activity halls. However, she was eventually  motivated to attend the classes  because she  enjoyed the camaraderie with her colleagues. She said that now that she is pregnant, she is more equipped and ensured that the baby in her belly  will be  safe, healthy and  will grow well.

Another participant, Ms. Ailyn Watitaw,  recounted that  even though the road was challenging and the weather was not always fine, she diligently attended the second batch of the learning sessions.  She was happy to share that she has  improved her skills in  the preparation of nutritious meals, corrected her  misconceptions on early child care  and  understood the importance of maternal health care. She is 23 years old and with two children.

Ms. Mariel Rwondanga, 20 years old, pregnant and with a two-year old child, thanked  NNC Calabarzon and the local government of Buenavista for implementing programs like “Idol ko Si Nanay.”   She is planning to practice exclusive breastfeeding after  learning its advantages from the lectures. She also said that she has enjoyed the cooking demonstrations, and is now knowledgeable on  how to prepare nutritious food for her  children and family.

The Municipal Nutrition Action Officer( MNAO) of Buenavista, Ms.  Denzdy Aiai Tan,  expressed her  gratitude to the IP chieftain and mothers  who  completed  the nutrition education activity. With the  supervision of Ms. Tan, the participants were likewise required to follow minimum health protocols during the sessions  to ensure their safety.

By: Ma. Jhonnadelle Ritz H. Castillo