DAVAO ORIENTAL— Mothers who advocate for breastfeeding have participated during the recent one-minute Nationwide Simultaneous Latch-on Activity dubbed as “Hakab Na!” 2019.
A total of 135 breastfeeding mothers joined the event held at the Honey’s Hotel in the City of Mati. It was organized by a local group of breastfeeding advocates called “Mati Moms” in celebration of the Breastfeeding Month. It has also gathered the support of pregnant women from all over the province.
Rejee Lou Mejia, the founder of “Mati Moms” said that the activity aims to increase the number of mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding. Based on the 2018 data provided by the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO), there is only 63.66% mothers in Davao Oriental who exclusively breastfeed their infant within 0-6 months old.
“We have organized this activity to encourage mothers to breastfeed their children and inform them that they are not alone in their journey,” she said.
Guest speaker Dr. Rachel Joy Pasion from the Davao Region’s Family Health Cluster of the Department of Health (DOH), has underscored in her presentation the importance of breastfeeding to avoid infant morbidity. In 2018, data from IPHO has shown that the leading cause of infant morbidity in the province is Pharyngitis and Tonsillitis, which has reached a total of 2,290 cases.
Dr. Pasion also answered questions during the event’s open forum.
Mejia said that aside from them advocating for breastfeeding, the organization “Dabaw INAS also provide free counseling to breastfeeding mothers as they rally their “Impormasyon, Nutrisyon, Aruga, Suporta”. “Dabaw INAS” Chairperson Gwen Magbanua introduced the group to the participants during the said event.
During the whole-day fun-filled and informative event, door prizes were given to the participants through different contests. A group called “Mompreneurs” provided the prizes while ER Supermall, Watsons, and NCCC have also sponsored other giveaways.
Mejia has also recognized in her speech other sponsors of the said event.
“We wouldn’t have been able to pull off this event without the support of the DOH, Provincial and City Government, City Health Office, the Governor and the Vice Governor, private companies, support groups, and private individuals,” she said.
She acknowledged the event suppliers that include Events by Franz, Bula Lopez Photography, Luchie’s Cakes, Ace Creations, and Mati Moms’ family.
Organizing “Hakab Na!” for the second year, Mejia said they hope to get more participants next year to contribute to the Provincial Government’s target on exclusive breastfeeding. Photos by Rhea Shane Laureano
