The Negros Occidental provincial government is implementing the Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD) Project to improve maternal and child nutrition in five local government units (LGUs).
On Monday, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with implementing partner Helen Keller International-Philippines’ country representative Maria Fatima Dolly Reario to launch the BF1KD Phase 3 Project: Scaling Up and Cultivating Resilience through Community Gardens at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall here.
In his keynote message, Lacson said that by strengthening local leadership, improving access to nutrition commodities, enhancing dietary diversity, and integrating community gardens into the barangays, malnutrition is not only addressed but food security is cultivated as well.
“Through Phases 1 and 2, we have seen how targeted nutrition interventions can create measurable impact. Phase 3 now calls us to scale up. The ceremonial signing of the MOU today is a declaration of shared ownership, proof that our provincial government, municipalities, barangays and partners are united in purpose,” he said.
The BF1KD is a community-based initiative that aims to improve the health and nutrition of mothers and children during the first 1,000 days of life – from pregnancy until the child’s second birthday – recognized as the most critical period for growth and development.
The implementation of Phase 3, which runs from January 2026 to September 2027, targets around 5,000 pregnant women and 27,900 children aged 0 to 5 years as beneficiaries in the municipalities of E.B. Magalona, Cauayan, Ilog, Pontevedra, and Toboso, with support from the Provincial Health Office and Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
For 21 months, the BF1KD will focus 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.
“We gather today to celebrate the strength and shared vision of our partnership, and that is, improving the nutrition of underserved pregnant women, infants, and young children in our country,” Reario said.
The BF1KD Phase 3 is a collaborative effort of the Negros Occidental provincial government, Department of Health and National Nutrition Council, with funding support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charities, and the US-based non-government organization Helen Keller International as the implementing partner. (PNA)