6 September 2021, Cagayan de Oro City (CNPC Sherill Faith P Española, CNPC Aprel Fe C. Susaya) – A total of 242 Kagay-anon mothers joined the Hakab sa Oro, a simultaneous latch on to raise awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Health Center for Health Development - Northern Mindanao (DOH CHD-NM) and Cagayan de Oro City Health Office through City Nutrition Committee (CNC) held the first-ever Hakab sa Oro done virtually last 1 September 2021 via Zoom and Facebook Live.
Breastfeeding mothers were gathered from barangay health centers and at home, made possible through the efforts of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars. The lactating mothers were from the 54 barangays of the city; mothers from other areas such as Opol, Misamis Oriental, and Tubod, Lanao del Norte also took part of the Hakab.
One of the highlights of the event was the discussion on breastfeeding in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic with the invited guest speaker, Assistant Regional Director Ellenietta HMV M. Gamolo of DOH CHD-NM. Dr. Gamolo emphasized, “The virus has not been found in breastmilk and all mothers are advised to continue breastfeeding while practicing good hygiene during breastfeeding.” She also shared some tips for breastfeeding moms who are confirmed or suspected to have COVID-19 to practice the 3Ws: (1) wear a mask, (2) wash hands with soap and water before and after touching the baby, and (3) wipe and disinfect surfaces regularly.
Furthermore, in his message, DOH CHD-NM Regional Director Jose R. Llacuna Jr. emphasized that COVID-19 vaccines are effective, and that he encourages everyone especially the lactating mothers to get vaccinated.
In addition, lactating mothers joined sets of virtual ice breakers (nutrition games) such as 4-Pics-in-1-Word: Mommies Edition, Guess the Word, and Nutri-Trivia. Then, CNC-CDO awarded the five (5) winners of the breastfeeding photo contest who joined through Facebook.
Participating mothers received breastfeeding kits (bag, breastfeeding cover, breastfeeding pump, utensil, alcohol, and facemask), mother’s kit (towel and detergent powder), baby’s kit (diaper and baby bath), IYCF T-shirts and IEC materials.
In the barangay level, lactating mothers were also given dry supplemental feeding (rice, egg and multivitamins).
Hakab sa Oro is part of the CNC’s Culminating Activity to support the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month Celebration every August.
The success of the event was made possible through the support of CNC’s partner agencies: DOH-CHD NM, Rotary International, Rotary Club Kalayaan, National Nutrition Council Region X, Magnum Radyo 99.9 FM, CDO City Information Office, CDO City Health Office, CNC Members, Breastfeeding and Infant and Young Child Feeding Task Force, Barangay Nutrition Committees, BNSs, and Nurz Che Malunggay Powder.
