Various sectors highlight Importance of breastfeeding to infants during a forum in Butuan
By Jennifer P. Gaitano
BUTUAN CITY -- In time with the National Nutrition Month celebration, various sectors in Caraga region have intensified the government’s campaign against malnutrition, importance of breastfeeding, and the implementation of Executive Order 51 or the Milk Code of the Philippines.
Dr. NiΓ±o Archie Labordo, Regional Nutrition Program Coordinator of NNC-Caraga, highlighted the relevance of breastfeeding not only to mothers, but more so with the different sectors along with the government agencies that provide various programs and services which contribute to the well-being and good nutrition of the children sector.
"It is important not only for government agencies that provide services and programs to the sectors, but most importantly for parents and mothers, how important breastfeeding if for their babies and the nutrients it provides. That's why we continue to advocate for breastfeeding to ensure that our children get the right nutrition that will also ensure prevent them from different diseases," said Dr. Labordo.
“There are a lot of advantages for breastfed babies especially during the 1000 days of life. It gives the babies the right nutrients that prevents them from easily getting sick, and makes them healthier,” shared Kristine Angelie Gimongala, Nutrition Cluster Coordinator, UNICEF Philippines.
The said activity has gained positive feedback as participating sectors expressed their commitment to support the campaign by helping the government in promoting good nutrition and breastfeeding to babies especially in the first 1000 days of life.
They also expressed support for the policies and ordinances that ensure provision of programs and services to the vulnerable sectors during emergencies or disasters.
“As a mother, I care so much about the welfare of my baby that’s why I personally took this opportunity to learn more how I could provide good and proper nutrition of my baby through this forum by the NNC-Caraga,” said Earlie Jul Fajardo of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Caraga.
“If we want to achieve our common goal in achieving proper nutrition to our children and babies, we have to be serious in our campaign against malnutrition and instill the importance of breastfeeding for our children to have healthy life,” shared April Love Oja of Father Saturnino Urios University (FSUU) in Butuan City.
With this development, the NNC hopes for the sincerity of the general public in helping the government address the needs of the children and prevent them from having diseases and malnutrition. (JPG/PIA-Caraga)
