05/08/2026
📰 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗠𝗶𝗻 𝗡𝘂𝘁𝗿𝗶-𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮
📍Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon
𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗼𝗹𝗼 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗶𝗺𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝟭,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗗𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘂𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟮 𝗕𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘆𝘀
✍🏼 by Alyanna Faith R. Caballero, RND and Joel Tagalogon- MNO staff
In line with the celebration of Nutrition Month 2026 and the Municipality's commitment to improving maternal and child nutrition, the Municipal Nutrition Office successfully conducted the Simultaneous First 1,000 Days (F1KD) Forum across the 22 barangays of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon last July 7-14, 2026.
The activity brought together pregnant women, lactating mothers, parents, caregivers, and other community members to strengthen awareness of the importance of proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life—from pregnancy until a child reaches two years of age. This critical period lays the foundation for a child's healthy growth, brain development, immunity, and lifelong well-being.
The forum provided an interactive venue to increase community awareness and understanding of essential Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices.
Participants were equipped with practical knowledge and evidence-based information to promote optimal nutrition during the early stages of life.
The sessions highlighted the following key topics:
• Exclusive Breastfeeding – Emphasizing breastmilk as the ideal and complete source of nutrition for infants during their first six months of life, supporting healthy growth, immunity, and overall development.
• First 1,000 Days (F1KD) – Promoting the importance of proper maternal nutrition from pregnancy until a child reaches two years of age. This critical period plays a vital role in preventing stunting, supporting optimal brain development, and establishing the foundation for a healthier and more productive future.
• Maternal Nutrition- Ensuring that mothers receive adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals needed for a healthy pregnancy, safe childbirth, successful breastfeeding, and recovery after delivery. Good maternal nutrition also supports the baby's growth and development while in the womb and reduces the risk of complications such as low birth weight and malnutrition.
• Complementary Feeding- Introducing nutritious solid, semi-solid, or soft foods to infants starting at six months of age, while continuing breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond. At six months, breastmilk alone is no longer sufficient to meet an infant's nutritional needs. Complementary foods should be safe, age-appropriate, diverse, and rich in nutrients to support healthy growth, brain development, and immunity.
Through interactive discussions and community engagement, participants gained valuable knowledge and practical strategies that they can apply in caring for mothers and children during this crucial stage of life. The activity also served as a platform to reinforce the shared responsibility of families, communities, and local leaders in ensuring that every child receives the best possible start in life.
The Municipality of Manolo Fortich remains steadfast in its commitment to reducing malnutrition and improving health outcomes through sustained nutrition interventions and community-based education. By investing in the first 1,000 days of life, the local government continues to build healthier families and nurture a stronger, more productive future generation
