DOH, NNC launch child care package in Pangasinan

• Source:http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/411468488056/doh-nnc-launch-child-care-package-in-pangasinan
• Tuesday, July 26, 2016

By VENUS MAY H. SARMIENTO

ALAMINOS CITY (PIA) – The Department of Health, in partnership with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) recently spearheaded the launching of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) intervention package in this city in line with the Nutrition Month celebration.

ECCD intervention package aims to provide integrated services on health, nutrition, early education and social services on the most crucial period of one's growth and development which is at the first 1,000 days of life.

Dr. Myrna Cabotaje, regional director of DOH in the Ilocos and the chairwoman of the Regional Nutrition Council, said the first 1,000 days of a child is a crucial stage thus, must be given utmost care.

She clarified that the first 1,000 days of a child starts from conception of the mother and not just after a child’s birth.

“The ECCD intervention package depends on the various stages. Interventions like pre-natal check-up for mothers during pregnancy, breastfeeding and introduction to complimentary feeding, among others, will be taught to mothers in the different stages of child care,” Cabotaje said.

She added, “Our theme is ‘All for Health towards Health for All’. Kung hindi magsasama-sama ang community, hindi natin makakamit ang kalusugan para sa lahat kaya magkaisa po tayo.”

Meanwhile, Ma. Eileen B. Blanco, regional nutrition program coordinator of NNC, said apart from Alaminos City, other local government units also expressed support to the ECCD program to include the towns of Bayambang and Umingan and the city of Urdaneta.

Mayor Arthur Celeste of Alaminos City said his administration will fully support the three-year implementation of the program which will start this year and all other health programs of the national government to ensure the good health condition of his constituents.

Celeste disclosed that the city now has a new, air-conditioned birthing clinic which caters to Alaminians and First District residents for free.

Part of the launch is a press conference spearheaded by the Regional Organization of Nutrition Development Advocates (RONDA) and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)–Pangasinan chapter. (JNPD/VHS/PIA-1, Pangasinan)