Story and photos by Mariela Angella Oladive
Three local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo province have partnered with CORE Philippines Inc. and LifeBank Microfinance Foundation Inc. to fight child malnutrition through the second phase of the Breaking Barriers in the First 1,000 Days (BBF1KD) project.
A memorandum of agreement was signed on Friday, March 28, at Seda Hotel in Iloilo City, formalizing a three-year collaboration between the municipalities of Maasin, Sta. Barbara and New Lucena.
The initiative, which runs from May 2024 to April 2027, aims to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services in 26 barangays.
Long-Term Commitment to Child Nutrition
Funded by LifeBank Microfinance Foundation and implemented by CORE Philippines, the BBF1KD project delivers vital medical and nutritional support from pregnancy through a child’s second birthday—the critical first 1,000 days of life.
Dr. R. Celestino F. Habito, a community nutrition consultant, stressed the need for sustained action to address child malnutrition.
“The solutions we need to implement are not easy,” he said.
“We must invest enough resources and maintain long-term stamina to gradually chip away at the problem over many years.”
CORE Philippines President and Executive Director Norma Chan-Pongan emphasized the broader mission of the project.
“The BBF1KD project is not just about addressing child stunting—it is about giving our children a fighting chance to live, thrive, grow and reach their full potential,” she said.
Strengthening Local Programs
The initiative supports the National Nutrition Council’s Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028, which addresses child stunting through systemic, community-based interventions.
With LifeBank as the primary donor, the project also seeks to institutionalize First 1,000 Days policies at the local level to build healthier communities.
LifeBank President and CEO Dr. Vicente P. Perlas highlighted the vital role of local government in the program’s success.
“Because child stunting is such a huge problem, we cannot solve it unless we all work together,” he said.
“Everything ultimately depends on the active participation of key frontliners in the LGU.”
Expanding Child Nutrition Programs
The BBF1KD Phase 2 project will cover 26 barangays:
- Maasin: 17 barangays, including two pilot areas
- New Lucena: 6 barangays
- Sta. Barbara: 3 barangays
Maasin Mayor Francis Amboy pledged full municipal support.
“As we enter our second cycle, I guarantee that with my municipal health officer and head nurse, we will do our part to help,” he said.
New Lucena Mayor Liecel M. Seville reaffirmed her town’s commitment to child welfare.
“New Lucena was once a Hall of Fame awardee as the most child-friendly municipality in the Philippines,” she said.
“While we have sustained our programs, I believe we need to focus more on child nutrition.”
“Rest assured, we will fully support this project from start to finish.”
Sta. Barbara Mayor Dennis Superficial emphasized the long-term value of investing in childhood nutrition.
He said a well-nourished generation will grow up mentally and physically strong, ultimately helping to build a better future for society.
The Iloilo Provincial Health Office, led by Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, expressed gratitude for the initiative and committed to supporting the program.
Dr. Quiñon underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration to sustain long-term improvements in child and maternal health.
