Mindanao-Wide Maternal Health Consultation Held

Health and nutrition officers from across Mindanao participated in the public consultation on the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11148 or known as Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Magnanay Act.

Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, Officer-in-Charge Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of the law which was signed by the president on Nov. 29 last year.

She said the landmark legislation is designed to address the health concerns of babies and their mothers especially during the first 1,000 days of formation.

“It strengthens the already coherent nutrition program for babies and their moms during the first 1,000 days,“ Dayanghirang said.

She said that the focus of the first 1,000 days has long been ingrained in the Philippine Nutrition Plan of Action since 2008.

Dayanghirang said that through the years, local government units and development partners like the United Nations Children’s Fund, World Vision Development Corporation, Save the Children and Nutrition International and the Adarna Foundations have developed these model programs on the first 1,000 days.

She said that the inputs of participants are important for the full realization of the law.

“We make sure that teenagers, women and their children to enjoy good health and nutrition in every barangay of the country,” Dayanghirang said.

For her part, Dr. Maria Teresa Ungson, director of the National Nutrition Council XI said the implementing rules and regulations of the law are necessary so that it can be effectively implemented in the communities, particularly the roles and responsibilities of the line government agencies down to the local government units.

She said the main focus of the law is good health for children and their mothers.

“It will definitely address the issue of small height among children especially during formative years. Nutrition and health are important to make our children grow taller,” Ungson said.

Dr. Josephine Villafuerte, City Health Officer of Davao City said through the consultation, health and nutrition officers would know the action and interventions on the first 1,000 days for babies and their mothers.

She said the new law will institutionalize measures to ensure the health and nutrition of the mothers and their children. (PIA XI-Joey Sem G. Dalumpines)