The Negros Occidental chapter of the Philippine Pediatric Society (PPS) is scheduled to hold a Big Latch On event at the SM City Bacolod main atrium this weekend, August 4. Big Latch On events are held around the world during World Breastfeeding Week, which is observed from August 1 to 7, where people gather to breastfeed and offer support to one another.
Doctors and advocates are calling on breastfeeding mothers and their families to join the event, which will include talks, games, and raffles.
“Breastfeeding really is the best option for mothers and babies,” said PPS Breastfeeding Advocacy Committee chairperson, Dr. Pauline Tan Ngo. “Years of medical worldwide research is consistent in proving that it is the safest, most nutritious food for infants and even the most inexpensive option.”
Last year, around 300 attended the event in Bacolod City.
“The number of moms and babies joining the ‘Latch On’ grows bigger every year,” said PPS community liaison, Dr. Katrina Trebol-Villapando. “We hope to surpass this record and bring more breastfeeding families on board.”
Partners for the event include SM Cares, Dr. Pablo O. Torre Memorial Hospital, Bacolod Adventist Medical Center, The Doctors Hospital, and Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital. Meanwhile, community partners include Merzci, Intermed, Munsterific, Metroclick, among others./WDJ