In a landmark moment for child nutrition, LifeBank Microfinance Foundation, CORE Philippines, Inc., and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Maasin, Sta. Barbara, and New Lucena inked a new partnership on March 28 to raise a healthier generation of Filipinos.
The critical signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) during a ceremony entitled “Sealing Commitments, Transforming Communities,” has officially launched the second phase of the Breaking Barriers in the First 1000 Days of the Child (BBF1KD) project.
Dr. Vicente P. Perlas, CEO and President of Lifebank Foundation, Inc., emphasized the crucial role of collaboration, stating, “I believe the key factor in the project’s success was the participation and activeness of the LGU. And I think there will be even more progress moving forward.”
He further underscored the urgency of collective action, adding, “Because this [child stunting] is such a huge problem, we cannot solve it unless we all work together. And when we look at the recommendations, everything ultimately depends on the active participation of key frontliners in the LGU.”
The ceremony held on March 28 in the Seda Hotel in Iloilo City marked a pivotal step in formalizing a comprehensive three-year partnership to address child stunting and improve nutritional outcomes in Iloilo province, specifically targeting children’s first 1000 days.
First 1000 Days of Children
It is a critical period of rapid growth and functional changes in children, especially in the brain, where prolonged nutritional impairment leads to stunting or below-normal height for age. More than just a physical concern, stunting is a sign of chronic malnutrition, impacting not only height but also brain development, immune function, and long-term health outcomes.
Dr. R. Celestino F. Habito, M.D., MHN, Community Nutrition Consultant, emphasized that addressing this issue requires long-term commitment and persistence, stating, “The solutions we need to implement are not easy. We must invest enough resources and maintain long-term stamina to gradually chip away at the problem over many years.”
Proper nutrition in early childhood has profound long-term effects. Children who receive adequate nutrition during this period are significantly more likely to overcome life-threatening diseases, perform better in school, secure higher wages as adults, and raise healthier families.
Recognizing this, Norma Chan-Pongan, President and Executive Director of CORE Philippines Inc., highlighted the project’s broader mission: “The BBF1KD project is not just about addressing child stunting—it is about giving our children a fighting chance to live, thrive, grow, and reach their full potential.”
3-year Partnership
The partnership establishes a collaborative framework from May 2024 to April 30, 2027, funded by LifeBank Microfinance Foundation and implemented by CORE Philippines, Inc. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) commits partners to a comprehensive approach targeting 26 barangays across three municipalities.
“On behalf of the Local Government of Maasin, we fully support this CORE Philippines project. As we enter our second cycle, I guarantee that with my Municipal Health Officer and Head Nurse, we will do our part to help,” said Francis Amboy, Mayor of Maasin.
Project Expansion and Scope
The BBF1KD Phase 2 project builds on previous interventions, expanding its reach to a total of 26 barangays:
- 17 barangays in Maasin (including 2 original pilot barangays)
- 3 barangays in Sta. Barbara
- 6 barangays in New Lucena
With this expansion, local leaders reaffirmed the vital role of nutrition in shaping the country’s future. Hon. Dennis Superficial, Mayor of Sta. Barbara emphasized the long-term impact of early childhood health investments, stating, “I am very passionate about nutrition, and I firmly believe that nutrition defines the future of a nation. If we have healthy children, we have children who are also mentally healthy. They can think well about their future and our society’s future, which is very important in nation-building.”
He further expressed Sta. Barbara’s strong commitment to the initiative, adding, “Santa Barbara is very eager to be part of this initiative. We are fully committed—100%—because this program is about securing our future.”
The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) outlines targeted nutrition interventions and seeks to strengthen local government capacity in implementing First 1000 Days (F1K) programs. This initiative aligns with the National Nutrition Council’s Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2023-2028, addressing child stunting at a systemic level.
Mayor Liecel M. Seville of New Lucena also highlighted her municipality’s dedication to child welfare, stating, “I’m so glad that we were chosen because New Lucena was once a Hall of Fame awardee as the most child-friendly municipality in the Philippines. While we have sustained our programs, I believe we need to focus more on child nutrition. Rest assured that the LGU of New Lucena will fully support this project from start to finish, with a strong commitment to sustaining what we have started.”
The collaboration between LifeBank, the Iloilo LGUs, and CORE Philippines in this second phase of the BBF1KD project represents a major step forward in investing in the future of Ilonggo children. By institutionalizing effective First 1000 Days programs at the local level, this initiative lays the groundwork for healthier, more prosperous communities across the province.