Nurture Run

#LetsBeReal, Filipina Mothers

We’ve all been told that breastfeeding’s best for babies; but why are less than half of Filipina mothers opting for exclusive breastfeeding?

Reality bites, and in fact, recent figures released by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI-DOST) say that breastfeeding rates are at 47 percent and more alarmingly, there are actually areas in the country that have breastfeeding rates of only 27 percent. That’s 7 out of 10 mothers who opt for infant formulas and other artificial milk substitutes.

Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding together with UNICEF are looking to shift this mindset. “Filipina mothers aren’t keeping it real and we want to help change that,” says Iza Abeja, Executive Director of Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding.

 



Nurture Run

In keeping with the thrust to promote, support and protect the rights of the breastfeeding mother and child, BBB is organizing the Nurture Run, one of the biggest breastfeeding awareness initiatives in the country to date. More than 10,000 runners and breastfeeding advocates are expected to join Nurture Run.

Iza also shares that proceeds of the Nurture Run will go to mobilizing skilled counselors, sustaining mommy groups and organizing breastfeeding awareness activities as well as supporting Milk Banks through Milk Letting Days.

“All these initiatives will be carried out in strategic areas in the country specifically in disaster prone provinces,” notes Iza. “As the recent disasters in Tacloban, Bohol and Zamboanga have taught us, breastmilk can save lives.”

The Nurture Run is set on April 13, 2014 Sunday from 5:30 am to 10:00 am at the Quezon Memorial Circle.  It covers 3km and 5km options with race kits costing PHP 450.00 inclusive of the race bib and Nurture Run shirt. The event is co-presented by UNICEF, International Labour Organization (ILO), National Nutrition Cluster group for Haiyan/Yolanda and Department of Health (DOH) in coordination with venue-host the Quezon City Government.

“Our children deserve the most genuine form of care and nutrition they can get. Support breastfeeding and help us spread the word by joining the ‘Nurture Run.’” 

About UNICEF

UNICEF is an agency of the United Nations devoted to serving the world’s children. UNICEF began providing assistance to the Philippines in November 1948. Since then, they have been partners with the Philippine government in protecting Filipino children.

UNICEF Philippines has more than 60 people working to promote and protect the rights of children. They aim to provide the best quality of life for every Filipino child through programmes that help them survive and flourish.

About Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding

Beauty, Brains & Breastfeeding was established and registered at SEC in 2006. It aims to bring back the breastfeeding culture in the country and elevate the stature of breastfeeding and eradicate the misconception that breastfeeding is only for those who can’t afford formula milk.

In recent years, BBB has not only participated in the promotion of breastfeeding. We have also taken part giving support to mothers. Providing free breastfeeding counseling at evacuation areas and informal settlers vulnerable of displacements in times of calamities BBB is also an active lobbyist when it comes to the protection and implementation of legislations promoting breastfeeding.

 

For updates and more information:

Like us on www.facebook.com/beautybrainsandbreastfeeding

Follow us on www.twitter.com/womenbreastfeed

Visit us at www.beautybrainsandbreastfeeding.com and www.nurturerun.com

 

(Press Release)



Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

In celebration of the 20th year of National Children's Month, UNICEF brings to the Philippines a unique tradition that has saved millions of lives of children each year-through the efforts of children themselves.

 

Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF Superheroes campaign was launched at the The Mega Atrium, SM Megamall. the Philippine launch included a kid's party with fun games, face painting and superhero cosplay. Children and parents signed up at Trick or Treat registration booths for their free kits to help raise money for disadvantaged children in the Philippines and worldwide.

Halloween celebrations in the Philippines have grown bigger every year, with children dressing in costumes and gathering candies from family, friends and neighbors. Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF aims to bring special meaning to this celebration. Children who participate in the campaign will collect money in a special Trick-or-Treat registered box and turn over to UNICEF after Halloween, which will be used for the organization's programmes for children.

"With their energy and enthusiasm, Trick-or-Treaters for this campaign can collect donations that will contribute to better health, nutrition, water and sanitation and protection of other children. It is an example of Kids Helping Kids as it has been practiced since the Trick-or-Treat campaign was started in the United States more than 60 years ago", said Tomoo Hozumi, UNICEF Country Representative.

 

 

Lizzy Borromeo aged 9 years and her sister Sophie aged 7 years joined other children in the fun games and activities before signing up for their Trick-or-Treat Kits. "I like it because I can help other children so they can go to school just like us," shared Lizzy.

At the launch, UNICEF provided registered children with orange Trick-or-Treat collection boxes, IDs and T-shirts so that they can be identified as bona fide donation collectors for UNICEF.

 

The grand launch hosted by Janeena Chan and Gerard Sison was made possible through the support of the Philippine Star, SM Megamall, SM Cares, UP Cradle Volunteers, P&G, Krispy Kreme, Magnavision, Multiply.com, Mango Comics and PSICOM Publishing.

School participating in Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF campaign this year are Australian International School, Britesparks International School, Galileo Enrichment and Learning Center, Integrow Activity Learning Center, La Salle Green Hills, Multiple Intelligence International School and Reedley International School.

 

About Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

The tradition of Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF began in 1950 in the United States, when Philadelphia schoolchildren first went door-to-door at Halloween collecting money in decorated mild cartons to help children in need around the world.

They raised a grand total of $17, kicking off a campaign that has since brought in millions of dollars each year to help UNICEF provide medicine, better nutrition, safe water, education, emergency relief and other support to children in more than 150 countries.

 

Millions of children now participate in Halloween-related fundraising campaigns in the United States, Canada and Hongkong, China, among other places. In these campaigns, children go for beyond trick or treating in scary costumes with the familiar orange UNICEF collection boxes in hand. Children and young people take part in various fun and educational events that help them gain a better understanding of child rights and challenges facing children around the world-including poverty, killer diseases and armed conflict.

This global campaign, now in the Philippines, has raised more than  $167 million around the world and remains  an inspiration to the young (and the young at heart) to further the cause of children everywhere.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence. The world's largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS, UNICEF is funded entirely by the voluntary contribution of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments. For more information about UNICEF and its work visit www.unicef.ph

In the Philippines for over sixty years, UNICEF works through partners to help disadvantaged children and communities to ensure children are healthy, educated and protected from harm. UNICEF is quick to respond in emergencies to ensure affected communities are reached and provided with services from local governments and other service providers.

 
Press Release