EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Early childhood refers to the foundational stage of child development. It is characterized by immense
development in physical-motor, cognitive, language, and socio-emotional realms from a mother’s
pregnancy through to the age of 3 of the child. These developmental effects last the rest of childhood,
and on into adolescence and adulthood. The Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) system is a
comprehensive, integrated and multi-sectoral approach centered on providing children with nurturing
care. This program facilitates access to health services from pregnancy to 35 months old to promote
the physical growth and development of the child. It also includes providing responsive caregiving,
opportunities for early learning, and child’s safety and security to enhance holistic development of
young children.
INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING PROGRAM

The first two years are critical for the development and growth of infants and young children. This is the
time when adequate nourishment, particularly from breast milk, is needed to create strong and lifelong
health foundations as the body significantly develops during these years. Hence, this program aims to
provide Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) skills and training to be taught to mothers especially in the
critical years of their infant and young children. This includes significantly increasing the prevalence of
breastfeeding, along with other feeding skills to ensure proper nutrition for their children.

Vision

Well-fed, nurtured children and health mothers; Breastfeeding as a social norm; Competent and
dignified health workers; Enabling health systems, communities, and workplaces; and Whole of society
working together, accountable to make this vision happen.

Mission

Focusing on the First 1,000 Days, stakeholders of the Philippine IYCF Program shall set out to

1. nurture and nourish the mother and child;

2. reduce stunting and all other forms of malnutrition; and

3. create an enabling environment for optimal infant and young child feeding.