Negros Occidental Launches Barangay First 1,000 Days Phase 3 Project to Combat Malnutrition
The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental officially launched the Barangay First 1,000 Days (BF1KD) Phase 3 Project at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall on February 23, 2026. This significant event marks a continued commitment to improving maternal and child health across the province.
Key Officials and Collaborative Partners Lead the Initiative
The launch was spearheaded by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who emphasized the project's importance in addressing critical nutrition gaps. He was joined by Board Member Araceli Somosa, co-chairperson of the Provincial Nutrition Committee, Bro. Anthony John Balledos, area humanitarian manager of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Girlie Pinongan, among other dignitaries.
Governor Lacson highlighted that this initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Provincial Government, the Department of Health, and the National Nutrition Council. Funding support is provided by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Charities, with Helen Keller International serving as the implementing partner.
Expansive Beneficiary Reach and Project Timeline
The BF1KD Phase 3 Project aims to benefit approximately 5,000 pregnant women and 27,900 children aged 0–5 years. This extensive outreach will span from January 2026 to September 30, 2027, covering a 21-month period. The targeted municipalities include E.B. Magalona, Cauayan, Ilog, Pontevedra, and Toboso, with implementation support from the Provincial Health Office and the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.
Governor Lacson noted that Phases 1 and 2 of the project successfully implemented nutrition interventions that yielded measurable impacts. Phase 3 is designed to scale up these efforts, building on previous successes to achieve broader and more sustainable outcomes.
Strategic Focus on Nutrition and Food Security
"By strengthening local leadership, improving access to nutrition commodities, enhancing dietary diversity, and integrating community gardens into our barangays, we not only address malnutrition but also cultivate food security," Lacson stated. This multifaceted approach underscores the project's holistic strategy to tackle underlying causes of poor nutrition.
The BF1KD initiative focuses on enhancing local nutrition systems at the barangay level, providing education and counseling to pregnant women and young mothers, and promoting proper infant and young child feeding practices. The first 1,000 days—from pregnancy until a child's second birthday—are recognized as the most critical period for growth and development, making this project timely and essential.
Formalizing Partnerships for Effective Implementation
To ensure smooth execution, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Helen Keller International, represented by Maria Fatima Dolly Reario, and the Provincial Government. This agreement formalizes the partnership and outlines the collaborative framework for project implementation, ensuring accountability and coordinated efforts.
This launch represents a proactive step towards improving health outcomes and fostering community resilience in Negros Occidental, with the potential to serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region.
