The Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD) Phase 3 Project to strengthen community-based efforts to improve the health and nutrition of mothers and children during the first 1,000 days of life was launched at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City Monday morning, Feb 23.
The activity is a collaborative effort of the Negros Occidental provincial government, the Department of Health, and the National Nutrition Council, with funding support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charities and Helen Keller International as the implementing partner.
The project targets 5,000 pregnant women and 27,900 children aged 0–5 years as beneficiaries from January 2026 to September 30, 2027 (21 months) in the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Cauayan, Ilog, Pontevedra, and Toboso, a press release from the provincial government said.
It is being implemented in collaboration with the Provincial Health Office and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
The BF1KD focuses on enhancing local nutrition systems at the barangay level, supporting pregnant women and young mothers through education and counseling, and promoting proper infant and young child feeding practices, a press release said.
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The first 1,000 days refer to a child’s life from pregnancy until the child’s second birthday, recognized as the most critical period for growth and development.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said that Phases 1 and 2 of the project targeted nutrition interventions that created measurable impact, and Phase 3 aims to scale these up.
“By strengthening local leadership, improving access to nutrition commodities, enhancing dietary diversity, and integrating community gardens into our barangays, we not only address malnutrition but also cultivate food security,” he said.
A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between Helen Keller International, represented by Maria Fatima Dolly Reario, and the Provincial Government for the implementation of the project.
Also present at the activity were Negros Occ. Board Member Araceli Somosa, co-chairperson of the Provincial Nutrition Committee, Bro. Anthony John Balledos, Area Humanitarian Manager of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan.*
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