Supporting mothers and nurturing children in the first 1,000 days of life

The first 1,000 days of a child’s life—from pregnancy to age two—lay the foundation for lifelong health, learning, and development. What a child eats, experiences, and receives in care during this period shapes not only how they grow, but how they thrive. For many parents, this time is filled with choices and challenges—but they should not have to navigate it alone.

In Sibonga, Cebu, Idol Ko si Nanay (My Mom is My Idol) sessions offer a space for mothers to learn, ask questions, and build confidence in caring for their children. Held monthly at the barangay hall, these community learning sessions bring together pregnant women and caregivers to discuss breastfeeding, introducing age-appropriate food, staying healthy during pregnancy, and recognising danger signs that may require medical care. Barangay health workers and nutrition scholars lead the sessions using flipcharts and real-life examples, helping turn information into practical, relatable guidance.

Originally developed by the National Nutrition Council, Idol Ko si Nanay was designed to support families during the most critical stage of child development. In areas covered by the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), the sessions have been strengthened to reflect a more holistic, multisectoral, sustainable approach. Through PMNP, local governments receive support to update training for frontline workers, improve learning materials, and sustain regular parenting sessions that connect families to essential services.

These efforts help build a reliable system of care around families. A child’s right to health and nutrition begins at home, but it is sustained by the structures that surround them. When community-based sessions are consistent, when frontline workers are well-equipped, and when families are empowered to make informed decisions, children are more likely to grow up healthy, protected, and ready to reach their full potential.

For every child, the best start in life.

About PMNP

UNICEF, through the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), is dedicated to ensuring all children receive nutritious diets, essential nutrition services, and nurturing care during their First 1,000 Days and beyond. With USD $178 million from the World Bank, the project works with local governments in 275 municipalities across Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development are leading this project to provide a coordinated package of nutrition services and promote healthy practices at the household level to improve nutrition for every child.