Health comm backs proposed law institutionalizing mother-to-mother support groups, first 1,000 days nutrition program

THE City Council committee on health, nutrition, and health insurance chaired by Councilor Paolo Nicolo Gaane favorably endorsed the proposed ordinance that would institutionalize mother-to-mother support group across barangays and establish nutrition-specific interventions for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children aged 0-59 months during the critical first 1,000 days.

This measure aims to strengthen community-based support and ensure consistent, evidence-informed nutrition services at the barangay level. It is a move to protect and improve maternal and child health outcomes by linking Barangay Health Workers (BHW), volunteers, and mothers in a sustained, citywide network.

Under the draft ordinance, the City Health Office, in coordination with the City Nutrition Council (CNC), City Breastfeeding Infant and Young Child Feeding Task Force (BFIYCFTF) and the Nutrition Office, shall be responsible for the implementation at the barangay level through its BHWs and BNS.

The committee highlighted several benefits for this ordinance: improved exclusive breastfeeding rates, earlier detection and treatment of growth hesitancy, reduced wasting, and stronger community resilience through peer support.

The proposed ordinance was referred to the committee on laws and rules chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas for appropriate action. (JBD/SP)