Manila, Philippines, January 13, 2024 – The Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition (CFDC) launches its operations manual and training program on how it will help in the government’s war against malnutrition.
According to RA 11148 entitled “Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Magnanay Act”, which seeks to
address malnutrition during children’s first one thousand days of life.
The coalition includes among others, the Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, Kiwanis International, Junior Chamber International, The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, The Fraternal Order of Eagles – Philippine Eagles, Knights of the Columbus, Knights of Rizal, Save the Children Philippines, World Vision Philippines, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives, and Crusade Against Violence.
The coalition considers the operations manual and training program as a key development as it clearly illustrates how the NGOs and government can collaborate in stomping out malnutrition during the children’s one thousand days of life, is a huge problem that causes poor school performance, low intelligence quotient, stunting, sicknesses, and low work productivity. The manual functions as a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the NGO’s
adoption of barangays aimed at addressing malnutrition, extending its scope to a national
level with a vision for fostering a healthier future for Filipino children.
To demonstrate their support for the operations and training program, department secretaries Dr. Teodoro “Ted” J. Herbosa, DOH; Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr., DILG, is also present at the event. Atty. Baldr H. Bringas, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will represent DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. Additionally, NGO Head Representatives, spearheaded by Former Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, a Board Member of World Vision Philippines, lead in reciting the NGOs’ Declaration of Commitment.
The event also featured the following speakers: Dr. Azucena M. Dayanghirang, Executive Director of the National Nutrition Council; Dr Maria Isabel “Marcie” M. Atienza, MHPED, Dean and Chief Academic Officer of St. Luke’s Medical Center, College of Medicine – WHQM; Dr. Amado R. Parawan, Health And Nutrition Advisor of Save The
Children Philippines; Former Senator Joey Lina, National Project Chairman of Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition; Br. Erlito “Lito” R. Pardo of Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals – Las Pinas Chapter; Mr. Roberto A. Alvarez, President of RCMC Foundation; Atty. Salvador “Bingbong” Campo Medialdea, Former Executive Secretary; Engr. Ronaldo A. Aguila, Chief Technology Officer of ONELGC, Inc.; Mr. Cris
Giovanni C. Chiong, President, of Rotary Club Of Makati Central; Mr Alberto D. Lina, Chairman of ONELEGC, Inc.; Mr Ronald Delos Santos, National President of the Fraternal Order Of Eagles Philippine Eagles, and Mr Danilo “Danny” Sanchez, Past Council Chairman of MD301 Philippines and State Council Of Lions Governor.
Atty. Mike T. Toledo, former Press Secretary, served as the moderator.
The milestone event pledged to be a platform for collaboration and knowledge-sharing among key stakeholders committed to ensuring the well-being of children during their critical first 1000 days of life.
To know more about The Children’s First One Thousand Days Coalition you can follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ChildrensFirstOneThousandDaysCoalition
Or you can email them at: cfdc.secretariat@gmail.com
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