The Local Government Unit of Paranas marked Breastfeeding Awareness Month today, August 18, through a one-day advocacy activity focused on the importance of the first 1,000 days of life and the health and nutrition of mothers and children.

The activity brought together 15 adolescent pregnant and lactating mothers, including mothers with malnourished children, along with their male partners or significant others. It aimed to strengthen their knowledge and practices on maternal nutrition, breastfeeding, complementary feeding, and infant and young child feeding.

The first 1,000 days, from conception until a child’s second birthday, is a critical period that lays the foundation for a child’s lifelong health, growth, and cognitive development. The activity emphasized exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the timely introduction of safe and nutritionally adequate complementary foods while continuing breastfeeding.

Held in line with Republic Act No. 10028, or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the activity featured interactive learning sessions, health assessments, and the practical cooking contest “Idol Ko si Nanay.” These activities provided participants with practical knowledge and skills to support proper nutrition and childcare within their families.

Municipal Vice Mayor Atty. Eunice Babalcon also delivered words of inspiration to the participants. She encouraged the young mothers to bounce back, continue their education whenever possible, and prioritize their own health and nutrition as well as that of their babies.

Vice Mayor Babalcon reminded them that their present circumstances do not define the rest of their story. She also assured the participants that the Local Government Unit of Paranas remains committed to supporting their welfare and that of their babies, encouraging them to continue moving forward and building a better future for their families.

The activity also emphasized the importance of involving fathers, partners, and other family members in maternal and child health. By promoting shared responsibility, the initiative seeks to strengthen family support for breastfeeding, proper nutrition, childcare, and the overall well-being of mothers and children.

Note: Signed permission was obtained from the participants and/or their parents or legal guardians, as applicable, for their photos and participation to be featured and published in this post for information and documentation purposes.