#CulturePH - LifeBank, Iloilo LGUs, and CORE Philippines Partner to Raise Healthier Ilonggos Through Second Phase of First 1000 Days Project
A Landmark Partnership for Child Nutrition in Iloilo
In a heartwarming ceremony held on March 28 at the Seda Hotel in Iloilo City, LifeBank Microfinance Foundation, CORE Philippines, Inc., and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Maasin, Sta. Barbara, and New Lucena came together to forge a new partnership aimed at raising a healthier generation of Filipinos. This significant event, titled “Sealing Commitments, Transforming Communities,” marked the official launch of the second phase of the Breaking Barriers in the First 1000 Days of the Child (BBF1KD) project.
Collaborative Efforts for a Healthier Future
Dr. Vicente P. Perlas, CEO and President of Lifebank Foundation, Inc., emphasized the importance of collaboration in the project's success. “I believe the key factor in the project's success was the participation and activeness of the LGU. And I think there will be even more progress moving forward,” he stated. Dr. Perlas also highlighted the urgency of collective action, noting that solving the issue of child stunting requires the active participation of key frontliners in the LGU.
The First 1000 Days: A Critical Period
The first 1000 days of a child's life are crucial for their growth and development, particularly in the brain. Prolonged nutritional impairment during this period can lead to stunting, which is not just a physical concern but a sign of chronic malnutrition affecting brain development, immune function, and long-term health outcomes. Dr. R. Celestino F. Habito, M.D., MHN, Community Nutrition Consultant, stressed the need for long-term commitment and persistence in addressing this issue. “The solutions we need to implement are not easy. We must invest enough resources and maintain long-term stamina to gradually chip away at the problem over many years,” he said.
A Broader Mission
Norma Chan-Pongan, President and Executive Director of CORE Philippines Inc., highlighted the project's broader mission: “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.” Proper nutrition in early childhood has profound long-term effects, enabling children to overcome life-threatening diseases, perform better in school, secure higher wages as adults, and raise healthier families.
A Three-Year Partnership
The partnership, which runs from May 2024 to April 30, 2027, is funded by LifeBank Microfinance Foundation and implemented by CORE Philippines, Inc. It targets 26 barangays across three municipalities, aiming to improve nutritional outcomes in Iloilo province. Mayor Francis Amboy of Maasin expressed his support for the project, stating, “On behalf of the Local Government of Maasin, we fully support this CORE Philippines project. As we enter our second cycle, I guarantee that with my Municipal Health Officer and Head Nurse, we will do our part to help.”
Expanding the Reach
The BBF1KD Phase 2 project builds on previous interventions, expanding its reach to 17 barangays in Maasin, 3 barangays in Sta. Barbara, and 6 barangays in New Lucena. Local leaders reaffirmed the vital role of nutrition in shaping the country’s future. Mayor Dennis Superficial of Sta. Barbara emphasized the long-term impact of early childhood health investments, stating, “I am very passionate about nutrition, and I firmly believe that nutrition defines the future of a nation. If we have healthy children, we have children who are also mentally healthy. They can think well about their future and our society's future, which is very important in nation-building.”
Commitment to Child Welfare
Mayor Liecel M. Seville of New Lucena highlighted her municipality’s dedication to child welfare, stating, “I’m so glad that we were chosen because New Lucena was once a Hall of Fame awardee as the most child-friendly municipality in the Philippines. While we have sustained our programs, I believe we need to focus more on child nutrition. Rest assured that the LGU of New Lucena will fully support this project from start to finish, with a strong commitment to sustaining what we have started.”
Investing in the Future
The collaboration between LifeBank, the Iloilo LGUs, and CORE Philippines in this second phase of the BBF1KD project represents a major step forward in investing in the future of Ilonggo children. By institutionalizing effective First 1000 Days programs at the local level, this initiative lays the groundwork for healthier, more prosperous communities across the province.
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