In compliance with the Executive Order (EO) 51 known as the Milk Code of the Philippines, also, “National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements, and Other Related Products” and under the Administrative Order 2006-0012 “Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of EO 51”, the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur continues  the promotion of breastfeeding (BF) as sole food for the babies from 0-6 months and continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding to children 6-23 months old and beyond. This action is one among the various interventions that the municipality have implemented in order to address the nutritional needs and to boost immunity among preschool children. The barangay nutrition scholars (BNS) are doing home visits to give one-on-one counselling to mothers on infant and young child feeding good practices alongside the distribution of RUSF and RUTF to households with 6-23 months old children.

The present COVID-19 crisis does not only bring negative impact to the community as it allows the municipality’s health and nutrition workers to take advantage with it considering that all households are requested, if not totally required, to stay home. With households doing home quarantine, our nutrition heroes…the BNSs, have the chance to promote further good nutrition while social distancing and wearing of mask have been observed. The current situation allows working mothers to have more time with their babies to provide optimum nurturing care to their babies.

Be it known that breastmilk is packed with all the essential nutrients that our babies need and it also promotes psycho-emotional bond among mothers and children. Breastfeeding has lots of benefits not only to the mother and the baby, but it also influences the socio-economic situation of the family as it is practical, economical and readily available once needed. Compared to formula milk feeding, breastfeeding also minimizes the chance for babies to develop allergies and infections. Thus, BREASTMILK IS THE BEST EVEN IN TIMES OF DISASTER AND CALAMITIES!

ECCD F1K PNC Elton N. Pelegrino, RN