In one barangay (village) in Marikina City, local officials are organizing a contest for women.
But to qualify for the competition, one must be a lactating mother residing in Barangay Fortune with a baby aged at least six months.
The competition—“Search for Modelong Inang Nagpapasuso (Model Breast-feeding Mother)”—is in line with the city government’s thrust of promoting breast-feeding as a practical and effective means of infant nourishment.
Organized by the local nutrition council and the city health office, the contest will be held on August 31 at the barangay’s covered court in Champaca I.
In a statement, Mayor Del de Guzman said the competition was aimed at creating awareness of the importance and benefits of breast-feeding among mothers.
“Breast-feeding is recognized worldwide for its many benefits such as infant protection from illnesses, allergies and obesity; improvement of child’s intelligence; and a decrease in the mother’s susceptibility to stress, postpartum depression and certain types of cancer,” De Guzman said.
“By joining in this competition, you are not only espousing your advocacy for breast-feeding; you also encourage other mothers in your community to do the same,” De Guzman added.
The mother with the highest number of breast-feeding days will be named the winner in the competition and receive a certificate in addition to cash prizes and special gifts.