DILG, NGO press anti-stunting drive
The first 1,000 days are the period from conception through pregnancy until the end of a child’s second year.
Daily TribuneThe first 1,000 days are the period from conception through pregnancy until the end of a child’s second year.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government said on Friday that it has partnered with the Children's First 1,000 Days Coalition to help nurture Filipino children during their formative years and protect them against malnutrition and stunting.
The DILG said it supports 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 Joey Lina signed a memorandum of agreement on 15 December. The MoA aims to pave the way for a community-driven approach to addressing malnutrition in the first 1,000 days of infants.
"The first 1,000 days of a child last a lifetime. In fact, this period will dictate the overall well-being of a child," Abalos said as he thanked the CFDC for joining their cause.
The first 1,000 days are 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-society approach to combating malnutrition among adolescent females, pregnant and lactating women, infants and young children.
It is also designed to reduce maternal mortality and stunting in children.
A non-government organization, the CFDC was created to contribute to the goals outlined by Republic Act 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 agreed to jointly work toward the successful implementation of the First 1,000 Days Nutrition Program.
Among the key points of the agreement is 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.