Davao City Nutrition Council

04/09/2026

03/09/2026

Davao City Health Office Nutrition Division Spearheads Activity to Strengthen Exclusive Breastfeeding Support in the Workplace

DAVAO CITY-September 3, 2026, Happening now at the Arcadia Event Center, the City Health Office (CHO) Nutrition Division is spearheading an activity aimed at strengthening and promoting exclusive breastfeeding, including support for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.

The activity formally commenced with the opening preliminaries, followed by the opening remarks of Dr. Ma. Vilma Gonzaga, Acting Assistant City Health Officer for Operation, who emphasized the importance of creating an enabling and supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace.

The activity was followed by a series of technical sessions designed to enhance the knowledge and capacity of participants on breastfeeding protection, promotion, and support.

Among the important topics being discussed are the Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace Initiative (MBFWI), its rationale and importance, as well as the relevant legal and policy frameworks supporting breastfeeding. Participants are also being oriented on the Milk Code or EO 51, including prohibited practices such as donations and sponsorships, product promotion and advertising, and inappropriate interaction with milk companies.

The afternoon technical sessions will further t Mother-Baby Friendly Care: Essential Practices, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding protection and promotion, immediate skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, early initiation of breastfeeding, and appropriate complementary feeding practices and the minimum requirements in applying for Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace Initiative accrediatation.

The technical sessions are facilitated by nutrition and health professionals, including Elizabeth B. Banzon, RN, FFMTP; Ines Jesmir Santos, RND; Denise Dyan P. Algabre, RND.

The activity was actively participated in by representatives from various City Health Office lying-in facilities, government offices, and private companies. Among the participating institutions were the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO), Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region XI, Davao City Water District (DCWD), City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), and Apo Agua Infrastructura, Inc.

The diverse participation of health facilities, government agencies, and private-sector partners highlights the collective commitment to strengthening breastfeeding support systems and promoting an enabling environment for breastfeeding mothers, particularly in the workplace.

02/09/2026

BARANGAY NUTRITION COMMITTEE OF BARANGAY 76-A HOLDS QUARTERLY MEETING LAST AUGUST 28, 2026 AT CONFERENCE HALL, 3/F KP BUILDING, BRGY. 76-A BUCANA, DAVAO CITY

27/08/2026

City Health Office Joins Milk Letting Activity in Celebration of Breastfeeding Month

DAVAO CITY — In line with the observance of Breastfeeding Month, the Davao City Health Office (CHO) actively participated in a Milk Letting Activity held on August 26, 2026, at SM City Davao. The activity brought together breastfeeding mothers, healthcare professionals, government officials, private partners, and various stakeholders in a collective effort to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding and human milk donation.

The activity was spearheaded by the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC) Human Milk Bank, under the leadership and management of Dr. Melanie Adolfo, in partnership with SM Cares. Various government agencies and private organizations also joined the initiative, demonstrating their shared commitment to strengthening programs that support the health and well-being of mothers and infants.

A highlight of the activity was the participation of breastfeeding mothers from Talomo North District and Talomo Central District, who took part in the milk letting activity and contributed to the advocacy of human milk donation. Their participation underscored the important role of lactating mothers in helping provide safe and nutritious donor human milk to infants who may need it, particularly those who are premature, sick, or whose mothers are unable to provide sufficient breast milk.

The activity also received strong support from members of the Davao City Council. Councilor Trisha Ann Villafuerte, Chairperson of the Committee on Health, joined the event and expressed her support for initiatives that promote breastfeeding and maternal and child health. She was joined by Councilor Ritchell Justol-Baguilod and Councilor Luna Acosta.

Councilor Luna Acosta was recognized during the activity for donating the highest volume of breast milk, an inspiring contribution that highlights the value of human milk donation and encourages more eligible lactating mothers to support the program.

Health personnel from the Talomo North District, led by Dr. Joy Espina, were also present during the activity. Meanwhile, healthcare workers from Talomo Central District led by Dr. J. Palec, together with the Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Barangay Health Worker (BHW), actively participated and extended their support to the breastfeeding mothers.

Their presence reflected the continuing efforts of the City Health Office and its partner health facilities to bring breastfeeding support closer to communities. Through the involvement of health professionals and Barangay Nutrition Scholars, mothers are continuously provided with information, guidance, and encouragement on proper breastfeeding practices and the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the early months of a child's life.

Also present during the event was Dr. Ma. Vilma Gonzaga, Acting Assistant City Health Officer for Operations, who delivered a message of support. In her message, she emphasized the importance of collective action in protecting and promoting breastfeeding and recognized the valuable contributions of mothers, healthcare workers, government partners, and private institutions in advancing maternal and child health.

The Milk Letting Activity served not only as an opportunity for mothers to donate breast milk but also as a platform to raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding and the role of the SPMC Human Milk Bank in supporting vulnerable infants. Donor human milk can provide an important source of nutrition for babies who cannot receive sufficient milk directly from their own mothers.

The active participation of the Davao City Health Office further demonstrates its continuing commitment to supporting breastfeeding initiatives and strengthening partnerships with various institutions and stakeholders. Through community-based activities, health education, and the promotion of mother-friendly and breastfeeding-supportive environments, the CHO continues to advocate for improved maternal, infant, and young child nutrition

27/08/2026

Participatory and interactive session on the Day 2 of Idol Ko Si Nanay Training of District B Barangay Nutrition Scholars

26/08/2026

Barangay Nutrition Scholars Undergo 2-Day “Idol Ko si Nanay” Training

DAVAO CITY — Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from District B are undergoing a two-day “Idol Ko si Nanay” Training on August 26–27, 2026, at the Conference Room, People’s Park, Davao City, as part of the continuing capacity-building initiatives of the Davao City Health Office – Nutrition Division.

The training focuses on strengthening the knowledge and skills of BNS in promoting proper maternal, infant, and young child nutrition, particularly during the First 1,000 Days of Life—the critical period from pregnancy until a child reaches two years of age.

The activity aims to equip BNS with practical knowledge and appropriate communication skills that they can use in providing nutrition education, counseling, and support to pregnant women, mothers, caregivers, and families in their respective communities.

Through the “Idol Ko si Nanay” training, BNS are further capacitated to become effective community nutrition advocates who can help promote healthy pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and proper nutrition practices among mothers and young children

25/08/2026

Davao City Reinforces Bantay Asin Task Force for Stronger Salt Regulation

DAVAO CITY — As one of the key gateways for salt entering the region, Davao City is strengthening its mechanisms to ensure that salt reaching markets and households meets national iodization standards.

On August 13, 2026, Davao City Health and Nutrition Office through the leadership of Dr. Margie Roa-Rubio, OIC-CHO assisted by DCNP Elizabeth Banzon convened the BATF members and NGA representative for a consultation meeting aimed at updating and enhancing the Executive Order on the Davao City Bantay Asin Task Force (CBATF). The activity focused on developing a more comprehensive task force structure, clearly defining the roles and functions of member agencies, and strengthening coordination for salt monitoring, regulation, and enforcement.

The consultation also highlighted the importance of establishing a strong working mechanism between the City Bantay Asin Task Force (CBATF) and the Regional Bantay Asin Task Force (RBATF). With Davao City serving as an important entry point for imported salt, closer city-regional coordination is essential in monitoring salt from its point of entry and distribution to markets and, ultimately, Dabawenyo households.

The initiative supports Davao City’s localization of Republic Act No. 8172, or the ASIN Law, and reinforces the City’s commitment to ensuring the availability of adequately iodized salt as a simple but vital measure in preventing iodine deficiency disorders.

RNPC Retsebeth Laquihon of NNC XI facilitated discussions on the mandates and functions of the CBATF, areas of collaboration with the RBATF, and recommended monitoring tools and mechanisms for effective salt monitoring. Identified agencies like NNC XI, FDA XI and PPA XI, DTI XI, DOST XI with mandates related to salt importation, regulation, monitoring, health and nutrition were consulted to ensure that the proposed CBATF structure reflects a whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach.

Through stronger local leadership and closer collaboration among the City Government, national government agencies, regulatory bodies, the RBATF, and other partners, Davao City is building a stronger line of defense to ensure that adequately iodized salt reaches every household.

From ports and entry points to markets and family tables, effective salt iodization requires everyone to do their part. By strengthening the CBATF, Davao City moves toward a more coordinated system that protects the health and nutrition of every Dabawenyo.




📸 Davao City Nutrition Council

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

The Nutrition Officers, District Health Physician, Nurses, Midwives and Health Promotion Officer of the Davao City Health Office participated in the Mother-Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative Orientation held at Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City.

The activity was facilitated by the Davao City Health Office – Nutrition Division, with invited resource speakers who shared their knowledge and experties on the implementation of mother- and baby-friendly practices in health facilities:

Ms. Mayflor Espirito, RND – Nutritionist-Dietitian IV and Nutrition Program Manager, DOH Davao Region XI
Dr. Sharlyn Tan – District Health Physician, District C
Ms. Denise Dyan P. Algabre, RND – Nutrition Officer II, Nutrition Division and Member of the Mother-Baby Friendly Health Facility Initiative (MBFHFI) Assessors of the City Health Office

The orientation aimed to enhance the knowledge and capacity of health personnel in promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding and optimal maternal, infant, and young child nutrition. It also strengthened the commitment of health facilities to provide a safe, supportive, and mother- and baby-friendly environment.

24/08/2026

The Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) of Bunawan District strengthened their relationship, teamwork, and camaraderie through a team-building activity held at Whole World Inland Resort last August 23, 2026