Saturday, April 28, 2007 May 2 is National Breastfeeding Day
AN OFFERING of national prayer of thanksgiving for the gift of motherhood and breastfeeding -- this is the essence of the simultaneous breastfeeding campaign in the country on May 2 dubbed: "Sabay-sabay, Sumuso sa Nanay! Year 2."
This national campaign is in line with the observance of the World Breastfeeding Week set from August 1 to 7, and the Guinness World of Records on Simultaneous Breastfeeding.
Specifically, this undertaking seeks to promote exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child's life and continued breastfeeding beyond two years; to promote the consumption of indigenous foods for complementary feeding; to revive the Filipino indigenous practices that sustained breastfeeding in the past; to inform the public of the benefits of breastfeeding to both mother and child; and to recognize and honor the commitment of breastfeeding mothers, among other noble goals.
The event is open to all breastfeeding mothers and children. Advocates of breastfeeding, health consumer rights, environmental protection, women empowerment, natural parenting, human rights, and peace-loving Filipinos are all called upon to support this cause.
Registration starts from 8:00-9:00 in the morning at designated day care centers, churches, hospitals and private-sponsored sites throughout the country.
At exactly 10:00 am, the simultaneous breastfeeding countdown starts, while the participating mothers will be saying the national prayer intended for the campaign.
The activity will be documented for submission and validation by the Guinness World Records. We are targeting at least 25 breastfeeding mothers per center.
In Zamboanga City, there are 16 identified areas for the forthcoming Simultaneous Breastfeeding Day on May 2, as follows:
Tetuan Health Center
Matulungin Day Care Center, Tetuan
Tugbungan health Center
Purok 2 Day Care Center, Tugbungan
Talon-Talon Health Center
Zone 3 Talon-Talon Day Care Center
Mampang Health Center
Mampang Barangay Hall
Lunzuran Health Center
Lunzuran Day Care Center
Divisoria Health Center
Divisoria Day Care Center
Guiwan Health Center
Boalan Health Center
Sta. Catalina Day Care Center
San Jose Gusu Day Care Center
The DSWD's commitment to the promotion of breastfeeding is seen as a vital component of the Hunger Mitigation Program of the government, as well as the promotion of the early childhood care and development. (Fe L. dela Cruz)
