The Philippines has envisioned that all mothers will breastfeed their children and celebrate the profound experience of motherhood. As the country campaigns to counter the current social pressure of resorting to hazardous formula milk for the babies and young children, the Department of Health Center for Health Development Bicol, in partnership with the Breastfeeding Bicolanas, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), OKFM of DZGB Legazpi Radio Station and National Nutrition Council Region V, conducted the “Hakab Na Bicol 2019 in celebration with the “Breastfeeding Month in August” with the theme “Lakas ng magulang, sigla ng Pagpapasuso – Kalusugan, Nutrisyon at Kinabukasan ng Kabataan” at the Activity Center of Ayala Malls, Legazpi City last August 10, 2019. The event was organized with the following activities planned by the Family Health Cluster of DOH-CHD Bicol for the 3 days celebration held on August 8-10, 2019 at Ayala Mall, Legazpi City; namely; (1) EAT RIGHT seminar, (2) Lactation and Relactation Massage, (3) Breastfeeding in the Workplace, (4) Sabayang Pagpapasuso, and (5) Baby-Momma (Baby-wearing) Zumba.

This event was attended by more than 300 families mostly nursing mothers and children, health and nutrition workers, stakeholders. NNC Region V represented by NO II Mary Antonette R. Perez, assisted the DOH booth for the registration of both guests and participants, and conducted a nutrition counseling to breastfeeding Moms. NNC also provided nutrition IEC materials on infant and young child health care and feeding practices. Ms. Perez also discussed nutrition such as topics of Pinggang Pinoy, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life as well as complementary feeding. Realizing the importance of Exclusive Breastfeeding to babies, the nutrition committees of various Local Government Units in Bicol also initiated their Breastfeeding Congress for massive information and education campaigns to generate public support on Nutrition Program. (NO II Perez /NO III Valeza)