Manila: Negros Occidental Negros Occidental's Provincial Health Office (PHO) kicked off on Wednesday the implementation of the Provincial First 1,000 Days (PF1KD) Nutrition Program for Negrense mothers and their babies.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, which underscores the province's commitment to enhanced nutrition and overall well-being of mothers and children during the critical first 1,000 days of life, was officially launched at the Capitol Social Hall on Tuesday. The First 1,000 Days-spanning from conception until a child reaches two years old-is recognized as a pivotal window for ensuring proper nutrition, growth, and development. Investments during this period are crucial for preventing malnutrition and supporting children in achieving their full physical and cognitive potential.
Through its nutrition and health programs, the provincial government aims to bolster coordinated and sustained efforts to ensure that pregnant women, mothers, infants, and young children receive appropriate nutrition services, care, and support. Dr. Ma. Ayessa Hugnatan, provincial health officer I and provincial nutrition action officer, emphasized that every child deserves the healthiest start in life while also acknowledging challenges such as stunting, wasting, maternal malnutrition, and low birth weight.
A significant aspect of the program is ensuring that every pregnant woman is reached, every child is monitored, and every nutritionally at-risk child is supported. Hugnatan expressed that if these efforts are implemented in every municipality and city, the Abanse Negrense PF1KD initiative will transform from a provincial program on paper into a movement reaching every household.
Djovanee Bo, nutrition officer III of the National Nutrition Council - Negros Island Region, stressed the importance of adequate nutrition and a nurturing environment for every child. He highlighted that interventions during the first 1,000 days have a positive impact, making investments in this period not just an investment in nutrition and health, but also an investment in human dignity and every child's right to a healthy and hopeful future.
The program launch, attended by 1st District Board Members Araceli Somosa and Laurence Marxlen De la Cruz, concluded with the signing of the commitment board. This act symbolized the stakeholders' collective pledge to support and strengthen the Provincial First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program, emphasizing the significance of strong leadership, collaboration, and shared action to advance nutrition interventions for mothers and young children across the province.
