PLCPD promotes advocacy for infant and young child feeding through photography

5 February 2015

PLCPD, in partnership with UNICEF Philippines, conducted “Documentary Photography and Photo Story Production Training-Workshop on Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices” last January 21-23 in La Trinidad, Benguet.

Undeterred by the cold and the mountainous landscape, 23 participants, representing various civil society organizations and offices of legislators, held on to their digital cameras, eyes keen to capture the best images of good practices and challenges on nutrition and child health, particularly the first 1,000 days of infant and young child feeding.

They trained under the tutelage of Mr. Jimmy Domingo, who teaches photography and photojournalism courses in Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University – Manila.

Ms. Georgina Belardo, Communication for Development Officer, Health and Nutrition Section, UNICEF, on one hand, shared about the importance of breastfeeding on the child’s health and in solving malnutrition in the country.

An earlier study by UNICEF reported that children who are breastfed cry less; have less respiratory infections, diarrhea, Vitamin A deficiency, allergies, chronic diseases, and risk of obesity; and have higher scores on IQ tests.

The photo essays generated by participants will be displayed in an exhibit at the House of Representatives and Senate in August, in time for the celebration of Nutrition and Breastfeeding Months. Prizes were also awarded to the three top solo photos and three top photo stories.

The activity was organized with the assistance of the Office of La Trinidad Mayor Edna Tabanda.