Bloggers Philippines - Online Magazine, Blogs, News, and Events!: HAKAB NA! 2019 “Lakas ng Magulang, Sigla ng Pagpapasuso – Kalusugan, Nutrisyon ng Kabataan para sa Kinabukasan”!

“Breastfeeding Pinays believes that a successful breastfeeding campaign requires a concerted effort among the government, non-government organizations, and communities. Together, we can empower breastfeeding moms by assuring them that what they are doing is very valuable as it gives their children the best start in life.” ~Abie Co-Floreza, President of BFP

Hakab Na! 2019

Breastfeeding saves a life, protects children from diseases, and provides a child the best start in life. Hundreds of mothers gather to celebrate National Breastfeeding Awareness Month with Hakab Na! 2019, at SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City. An annual breastfeeding event that gathers hundreds of mothers who will latch their babies at the same time for at least a minute.

Hakab Na! 2019

This year’s theme “Lakas ng Magulang, Sigla ng Pagpapasuso – Kalusugan, Nutrisyon ng Kabataan para sa Kinabukasan” has been localized by the DOH for the Philippines based on the global theme “Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding” from the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action.

Hakab Na! 2019

The gathering serves to encourage a dynamic exchange of ideas on providing proper information and support to Filipino mothers and their families to enable them to breastfeed, and practice good infant and young child feeding.

“Investment in public health policies and programs that protect, promote, and support exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life and continuing breastfeeding with safe and appropriate infant and young child feeding practices is grounded on the education and empowerment of parents, communities, and even workplaces. It is part of the few most cost-efficient and high-impact multi-sectoral interventions our country can count on in combating stunting and malnutrition, along with the care for the health and nutrition of our women of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.” ~Dr. Francisco T. Duque, III., Health Secretary

With Dr. Francisco T. Duque, III., Health Secretary

In the Philippines, only 29% of infants are exclusively breastfed up to 5.9 months. WHO and UNICEF urge parents and caregivers to initiate exclusive breastfeeding and continue breastfeeding up to at least the first two years or beyond. We should consistently provide mothers the right information about the benefits of 2 breastfeedings as well as provide a supportive environment to breastfeed her baby anywhere, especially at home and in the workplace.

“We envision our community of mothers to consider SM as their second home. SM strives to be a mall for all and continues to support the mothers and women in communities where our malls are present.” ~Marie Bernadette D. Velasco, SM Cares Program Director of SM Cares Program on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers

Hakab Na! 2019

The early years of a child are critical for brain development and physical growth. Studies have shown that nonbreastfed children’s brain development can be negatively impacted. The first two to three years of life have a life-long effect on a child’s future impacting on health, education, wellbeing and earning potential in adulthood.

“There is a need to sustain the efforts that we have collaboratively implemented to make #BreastmilkForTheBest realized and that laws that protect, promote and support optimal breastfeeding are strengthened. We need to include every member of the community to join us in helping the government monitor the implementation of these laws and that violation is reported.” ~Rommel V. Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Development

Hakab Na! 2019

About Hakab Na! 2019

Hakab Na! 2019 will showcase stories from several mothers and supporters on their struggles and triumphs in breastfeeding and infant feeding. Story-telling will help mothers validate and find solutions to their concerns and build a stronger community with one another. The event will also engage mothers in a discussion with panelists from BFP, DOH, UNICEF and World Vision on the Expanded Promotion of Breastfeeding Act (RA No. 10028, amending RA No. 7600), Milk Code violations, gains in breastfeeding rates, and relevant family-friendly policies that they should know and benefit from.

Hakab Na! 2019

There are a number of actions that the government, civil society organizations, and communities can take to protect, promote and support every Filipino child’s rights to survive and thrive.

Hakab Na! 2019

A strong foundation on the practice of exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, coupled with support given at the right time, can ensure children’s proper health and development, and allow them to achieve their full potential.

Hakab Na! 2019

When parents and supporters have the correct information and support, they are empowered to exclusively breastfeed and continue breastfeeding to give sufficient nutrition to their children. This benefits the children and society as a whole.

Hakab Na! 2019

Breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancers for nursing mothers later in life. The Lancet estimates that 20,000 deaths from breast cancer death could be prevented annually through optimal breastfeeding.