The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Friday said the Children's First 1,000 Days Coalition has partnered with the DILG to help nurture Filipino children during their formative years to protect them against malnutrition and stunting. The DILG together with the Local Government Units strongly support the lead agencies – the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development in winning the war against malnutrition and stunting.

This, as DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos and CFDC Overall Chair Atty. Joey Lina signed a Memorandum of Agreement last 15 December.

The MOA aims to pave the way for a community-driven approach to addressing malnutrition in the first 1000 days of infants.

It can be attained by capacitating local government units and strengthening local nutrition programs.

"The first 1,000 days of a child lasts a lifetime. This period will dictate the overall well-being of a child, " Abalos said.

He continued:"Ganyan kahalaga ang misyon nating ito na protektahan ang kabataang Pilipino at siguruhin na sila'y lalaking malusog at produktibo".

Abalos thanked CFDC for joining their cause and for helping the DILG and the government foster a healthier and more productive generation of Filipinos.

The first 1000 days is the period from conception, through pregnancy, until the end of a child's second year.

Abalos said the MOA will help enforce a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to combat malnutrition among adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants, and young children and the reduction of maternal mortality and stunting in children.

A non-government organization, the CFDC was created to contribute to the goals outlined by Republic Act No. 11148, or the First 1,000 Days Law, through collaborative efforts between the government and NGOs.

Based on the MOA, the DILG, and the CFDC agree to jointly work towards the successful implementation of the First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program.

Among the key points of the agreement include the CFDC's engagement of the LGUs, including the barangay health workers or barangay nutrition scholars, to complement the efforts of the DILG in ensuring the success of the First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program.

The DILG will also provide technical support and guidance to CFDC in the development of strategies dealing with LGUs relative to the First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program.

Moreover capacity-building workshops, seminars, and other similar activities will be conducted to enhance the knowledge and skills of local government officials, health workers, and community leaders in addressing malnutrition.