To celebrate the 2017 Breastfeeding Awareness Month, the Department of Health (DOH) Regional Office VIII in coordination with the Provincial Health Office of Leyte conducts a Breastfeeding Forum on 15 August 2017 at the Palo Municipal Hall in Palo, Leyte.

The forum was well participated in by lactating/breastfeeding mothers from the different barangays of Palo, Leyte. Pursuant to Republic Act 10028, otherwise known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, August of every year is Breastfeeding Awareness Month.This year’s theme is “Ugnayan: One Community Promoting, Supporting and Protecting Breastfeeding”. This observance aims to raise public awareness on the importance of breastfeeding in the country.

In his message, NO III Niño Archie S. Labordo of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) VIII relates the theme on the importance of being one in advocacy and support in the breastfeeding practices for a healthier and smarter community. This year’s theme emphasizes the importance of placing breastfeeding as a norm in the community.

The sustenance of breastfeeding practices in the country cannot be done without the strong support of development partners, local government units, advocates, activists and leaders. Uganayan, to connect or joint with is one of the most effective strategies to invest our children for the future, NO III Labordo added.

Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2017-2022 an integral part of the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) include the strategy focus on the First 1000 Days of Life. This strategy will help reduce malnutrition and increase the exclusive breastfeeding practices among infant 5 months old from 24.7% in 2015 to 33.3 by 2022.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), a newborn must be exclusively breastfed for at least six months. On the 7th month, mothers may opt to introduce solid food to their newborn yet can still continue breastfeeding until two years and beyond.#