𝗜𝗟𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗢 𝗖𝗜𝗧𝗬 – In a determined effort to combat child malnutrition, PHINMA University of Iloilo (PHINMA UI) has officially launched its First 1,000 Days (F1KD) Initiative, a groundbreaking program aimed at improving maternal and child nutrition during the critical early years of life.
The launch event, held at the university’s Audio-Visual Room (AVR), gathered healthcare professionals, local leaders, and educators to emphasize the urgency of tackling malnutrition, a pressing public health crisis in the Philippines.
Malnutrition: A Growing National Concern
Malnutrition remains one of the leading causes of child mortality and developmental issues in the country. Â United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reports that nine out of ten Filipino children under two years old do not receive a proper diet, while 95 children die daily due to undernutrition. Additionally, 4.2 million Filipino children suffer from stunting, a condition that leads to lifelong physical and cognitive impairments. The economic impact is also severe, with $4.5 billion lost annually due to the effects of poor childhood nutrition.
Recognizing this crisis, PHINMA UI’s F1KD Initiative aligns with Republic Act 11148 (First 1,000 Days Act), a national law advocating for stronger maternal and child health programs. The university’s initiative enhances these efforts by integrating education, community outreach, and private sector partnerships to maximize its long-term impact.
A Holistic Approach to Early Childhood Nutrition
The F1KD Initiative is designed to provide targeted interventions that address the root causes of child malnutrition. Key components of the program include:
✅ Nutritional Support – Providing supplemental feeding, vitamin distribution, and maternal dietary assistance.
✅ Medical Assistance – Offering free prenatal check-ups, laboratory tests, and maternal dental care.
✅ Community Health Education – Organizing workshops on proper nutrition, breastfeeding, and early childhood care.
✅ Data-Driven Monitoring – Tracking children’s growth and evaluating the program’s effectiveness.
✅ Public-Private Collaboration – Engaging schools, organizations, and local institutions for a sustainable, long-term impact.
“If we truly want to uplift our communities and give Filipino children the best start in life, we must act within these crucial 1,000 days,” said Heidi Foulc, PHINMA’s Community Development Specialist for the F1KD Program.
Strengthening Partnerships for Lasting Change
The launch event featured a Pledge of Commitment Wall Signing and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing, symbolizing the dedication of various stakeholders in sustaining the program.
International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant Adhara A. Sebuado, RN, IBCLC delivered an insightful discussion on the role of breastfeeding in preventing malnutrition, emphasizing its significant impact on brain development and overall health.
Additionally, PHINMA UI’s Chief Operating Officer, Martin Benedict S. Perez, reaffirmed the university’s mission to create lasting change through education and healthcare initiatives.
A Call for Collective Action
Beyond being a university-led program, the F1KD Initiative is a call to action for individuals, communities, and organizations to work together in the fight against child malnutrition.
“This is not just a PHINMA initiative—it’s a movement,” Foulc emphasized. “We need the collective support of the government, private institutions, and the public to ensure that no child is left behind.”
PHINMA UI encourages the public to participate by volunteering, supporting community programs, or funding interventions that will provide Filipino children with a healthier, brighter future.
With this initiative, PHINMA University of Iloilo reaffirms its commitment to shaping a healthier, more empowered generation—one child at a time.
