Palo, Leyte--Department of Health with the National Nutrition Council conducted a 3- day webinar series to commemorate the celebration of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. The activity was in coordination with WHO, UNICEF, KOICA and other developmental partners and civil society organizations. It was participated in by health and nutrition workers and other stakeholders in the entire country.

To close the celebration, Breastfeeding Pinays, the largest breastfeeding support group in the country organized Hakab Na! 2021 Online on 29 August 2021. The event carries the theme “Tulong-tulong sa Pagpapasuso sa First 1,000 Days.”

Hakab Na is an annual simultaneous breastfeeding event. The pandemic did not stop the annual event but this time via online platform. Participated by breastfeeding mothers across the country including mothers, nutrition workers and breastfeeding support groups in Eastern Visayas.

Hakab means “Latch” and the phrase Hakab na! is an invitation for mothers to latch their baby onto their breast. Every month of August, the Department of Health celebrates National Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This event aims to spread awareness and proper information about breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is the baby’s food in the first six months and also the first immunization. It is an important intervention to prevent stunting among children. It is a major program component of the First 1000 days. It is the cheapest yet most practical and appropriate food for the babies during the first 6 months.

As the country culminates the Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and as the mothers simultaneously breastfed their babies, it is hope that the month-long activities will increase the proportion of mothers practice exclusive breastfeeding particularly in the first 6 months. #NPC CPDotollo