Bacolod city: The Negros Occidental provincial government is implementing the Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD) Project to improve maternal and child nutrition in five local government units (LGUs). On Monday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with implementing partner Helen Keller International-Philippines' country representative Maria Fatima Dolly Reario to launch the BF1KD Phase 3 Project: Scaling Up and Cultivating Resilience through Community Gardens at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here.
According to Philippines News Agency, Lacson emphasized that by strengthening local leadership, improving access to nutrition commodities, enhancing dietary diversity, and integrating community gardens into the barangays, malnutrition is not only addressed but food security is cultivated as well. He noted that through Phases 1 and 2, targeted nutrition interventions have shown measurable impact, and Phase 3 aims to scale up these efforts. The ceremonial signing of the MOU represents a declaration of shared ownership and a united purpose among the provincial government, municipalities, barangays, and partners.
The BF1KD is a community-based initiative focused on improving the health and nutrition of mothers and children during the first 1,000 days of life, spanning from pregnancy until the child's second birthday. This period is recognized as the most critical for growth and development. Phase 3, which will be implemented from January 2026 to September 2027, targets approximately 5,000 pregnant women and 27,900 children aged 0 to 5 years. The beneficiaries are located in the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Cauayan, Ilog, Pontevedra, and Toboso, with support from the Provincial Health Office and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
Over a span of 21 months, the BF1KD initiative will focus on enhancing local nutrition systems at the barangay level, supporting pregnant women and young mothers through education and counseling, and promoting proper infant and young child feeding practices. Reario highlighted the partnership's shared vision of improving the nutrition of underserved pregnant women, infants, and young children in the country.
The BF1KD Phase 3 is a collaborative effort involving the Negros Occidental provincial government, Department of Health, and National Nutrition Council. It receives funding support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charities, with the US-based non-government organization Helen Keller International serving as the implementing partner.
