The Liberty Commercial Center Legazpi conducted a One-day Nutritional Activity dubbed as “Child Care on Mother’s Day” on 12 May 2013 from 8:00 am to 12:00 nn at LCC Activity Center. This activity is part of the on-going outreach program of LCC together with the humanitarian activities focused primarily on promoting the Health and Welfare of indigent children. 110 children ages 1-5 years old from Barangays San Roque and Sabang, Legazpi City were provided with supplemental feeding, multi-vitamins and medical check-up.

Weight and height taking were also conducted with the help of Barangay Nutrition Scholars of targeted barangays. The National Nutrition Council together with the City Nutrition Office of Legazpi were invited to extend their support and technical assistance during the said activity. Mrs. Marlyn L. Beldad gave a short message in behalf of Mrs. Arlene R. Reario, Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC who was still in Manila after a trip in Bangkok, Thailand for the Asia Region Knowledge Management Workshop on Children and Food Security.

The message given by NPC Reario which was translated in bicol dialect by Mrs. Beldad emphasized the role of mothers in rearing their children through proper breastfeeding which is the best intervention to ward off sickness and death of children. It was further stressed that breastmilk is the best food for babies and thus, breastfeeding is considered as anti-poverty strategy to reduce family expenses.

Ms. Natividad Cardel, Nutrition Officer III of CNC Legazpi City also presented in powerpoint the Importance of Breastfeeding as well as Complementary Feeding. She explained in detail the advantages of breastfeeding which encouraged all the mothers to strictly give breastmilk to babies from birth up to 2 years and beyond as it gives all the necessary nutrients needed by babies, aside from antibodies present in breastmilk to protect their children from chronic illnesses. Points to remember in complementary feeding was also discussed.

In between the activity, the video of “Busog Lusog” was played to further educate the mothers with the right food choices and proper feeding of their growing children. LCC, NNC and City Government of Legazpi promised to join hands to provide better service to LCC’s target beneficiaries.

The activity was very successful, giving the mothers and children with full of satisfaction and happiness for the services rendered by LCC Mall headed by Mr. Romy Tan and other partners. -Documented by Ms. Marlyn L. Beldad.