BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Investing in food and nutrition security especially during the first 1000 days of life is not just a health intervention. It’s a life-long investment in human capital, communities, and economy.
Department of Health- Cordillera (DOH-CAR) Nutritionist Dietitian IV Candice Salingbay emphasized during the Kapihan sa Baguio for July health events and updates.
Prioritizing the first 1000 days starting from conception up to the second birthday of a child is actually the golden window of opportunity and a powerful investment for a brighter and stronger future, she explained.
Adequate nutrition is essential because significant development of the brain, physical growth, and immunity take place, and the foundation of long term-health is laid during this period.
“When we invest specially in the first 1000 days, it will actually build healthier Filipinos. We also prevent lifelong consequences and then it strengthens communities and the economy,“ Salingbay said.
She explained that malnutrition manifests differently across regions, but its lifelong consequences like stunting, wasting, cognitive impairments, and chronic diseases are universal.
“Sa lahat naman ng klase ng malnutrition sa iba ibang rehiyon, what differs is the incidence actually. It also differs how we target these with our various strategies in investing in food and nutrition security,” she said.
Salingbay outlined five pillars for achieving food and nutrition security:
1.Food is a Human Right, Not a Privilege. “Access to nutritious food should never depend on wealth, status, or location. It’s a basic right,” she asserted, as she urged the crafting or implementation of policies to bridge gaps in marginalized areas.
2. Buy Local: Support Our Farmers. “Purchasing kadíwa (local goods) isn’t just a transaction—it’s solidarity. Every peso spent on local produce uplifts farming communities and shortens supply chains.”
3. Grow Food Gardens: Cultivate Resilience. “Planting even a small garden is a step toward independence. Urban gardening ensures families have fresh vegetables, reducing reliance on unstable markets.”
4. Waste Less: Save Lives, Save Resources. “Huwag kukuha ng pagkain na hindi natin kayang ubusin. Food waste isn’t just about scraps—buhay ang pinangangalagaan (lives are at stake).”
5. Start Early: First 1,000 Days Shape Futures. “Proper maternal nutrition during pregnancy and exclusive breastfeeding lay the foundation for a child’s lifelong health. This golden window is our most powerful tool against stunting.”
Salingbay also appealed to legislators, policymakers, and local governments to push for food resilience, and the improvement of food access and distribution for all at all times.
Specifically for LGUs, to integrate their local nutrition action plans, strengthen nutrition committees, hire permanent staff for nutrition programs, promote food gardens, and improve farm to market access. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
