Breastfeeding plays an important role in managing the double burden of malnutrition. It provides food security and reduces inequalities. Protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding address inequalities that stand in the way of sustainable development.
August is National Breastfeeding Month and the National Nutrition Council IX headed by the Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator, Ms. Nimfa D. Ekong joins the Regional and City Breastfeeding Awareness Month Celebration with the theme “Sama-samang Itaguyod Tamang Kaalaman at Kalinga sa Pagpapasuso” held at KCC Mall de Zamboanga last August 4, 2022. The activity aims to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and empower the government, health systems, workplaces, and communities to provide a nurturing environment for families. It was highlighted with the “Hakab Na!” portion of the program where the participating lactating mothers from the different barangays of Zamboanga City simultaneously breastfed their babies and was followed by the awarding of the top 3 oldest breastfed children.
The occasion was attended by no less than 100 participants which also include the City Health and City Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Dulce Amor D. Miravite, Nutritionist-Dietitian IV of DOH9 Ms. Chrystal Jean Dela Cerna, Executive Assistant of the Office of the City Mayor Mr. Amado Natividad Jr., ZCMC Head of Human Milk Bank Dr. Jeffrey Cesar Masilungan, ZCMC Chief Nutritionist-Dietitian IV Ms. Ma. Dolores M. Paredes, some members of RNAHC, City Nutrition Committee, NDAP-ZamPen Chapter, and Breastfeeding Support Group together with the Barangay Nutrition Scholars and Health Workers.
As we celebrate Breastfeeding Month, we encourage everyone to raise awareness, educate, and celebrate the precious nutrient that only breastmilk can give to our babies. We can all do our part in protecting a mother's right to breastfeed her child because there is no other natural food in the world than breastmilk can provide for a baby. Breastmilk is an irreplaceable gift a mother can give to her baby and it is the best start a baby can have in life.
PDO I Kimberly M. Tanador, RND
