Steadfast to its mission of addressing the wellbeing gaps on health and nutrition of young children, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. – Dolores Aboitiz Children’s Fund (RAFI-DACF) joined forces with the Cebu City Nutrition Network (CCNN) to advance the shared goal of being advocates of child nutrition.

The CCNN is a consortium of organizations and government agencies in Cebu City. Organized last April 2021, this partnership commenced with the technical working group composed of the Cebu City Nutrition Council (CCNC) with RAFI-DACF as a member.

An orientation and covenant signing was held last May 20 at the BP Cebu Multipurpose Hall in Brgy. Mabolo, Cebu City, setting the seal of commitment with new partner organizations to collaborate and synergize initiatives aimed to address the pressing concerns of early childhood malnutrition in Cebu City. This was participated by 24 CCNN partners from non-government organizations, Cebu City government departments, and national agencies.

The goal of the CCNN is to reduce the number of malnourished children aged 0-59 months in Cebu City by 30% by 2023. This can be achieved through the implementation of partner organization’s programs and initiatives that will: improve the nutritional status of 0-59 months old children by 70%; implement health and nutrition activities for mothers and caretakers in the selection of proper food and correct amount of food, and educate mothers and pregnant women on the importance of the first 1000 days.

Riella Christa Guioguio, RAFI’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) shared that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic brought families to all-time high, leaving a negative effect on the nutrition of young children. This has led organizations, including RAFI, to shift their resources and attention to early nutrition.

“The creation of the consortium is a big achievement for Cebu City and we should all be working to address this huge issue of early childhood malnutrition in our society. We can act as a big brother or big sister to one another – that way, we capacitate each other by sharing resources, strengths, expertise, finances, and be able to address the issue of malnutrition among young children,” shared Guioguio.

Emma Seville, CCNC Action Officer also shared: “Great things can be achieved when more people and organizations work together, pooling each other’s resources to function effectively for a common goal.”

CCNN will now proceed with the presentation of programs, projects, and activities of partner organizations and offices, and further identifying areas of collaboration to address the issues on early childhood malnutrition in the city.

These combined efforts and perseverance of various organizations to fight malnutrition will create a more livable and safe community, continuously prioritizing a child’s growth, development, and well-being of children across Cebu.