UPLB Gender Center, with the Institute of Food Science and Technology, Institute of Human Nutrition and Food, and LATCH Los Baños, joined forces to host the two-day groundbreaking Women’s Leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction forum. 

Day 1, held at the ICOPED Auditorium, saw an impressive lineup of speakers and discussions aimed at highlighting the crucial role of women in disaster preparedness and response.

The forum was held on March 25, 2024, with the theme “Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E).” The session delved into the intricacies of disaster risk reduction with an emphasis on the role of women in fostering resilience within households and communities.

The highlight of the day was a series of insightful talks led by esteemed speakers Armi Shyr Baticados of LATCH; Dr. Mianne Silvestre of Kalusugan ng Mag-Ina (KMI); Nanay Maria Ines Avellana-Fernandez, founder of Arugaan; Teresita Ramos from the Laguna Provincial Nutrition Action Office; and Asst. Prof. Bryan Rey Oliveros, faculty member at the Institute of Food Science and Technology of the College of Agriculture and Food Science.

Baticados shed light on the importance of understanding Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies (IYCF-E). At the same time, Silvestre discussed the implications of and the conflict of interest in the medical profession and academia on implementing RA 11148 or An Act Scaling Up the National and Local Health and Nutrition Programs Through a Strengthened Integrated Strategy for Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health, and Nutrition in the First One Thousand Days of Life. 

Avellana-Fernandez shared insights on Executive Order 51 or Adopting a National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements, and Related Products in the context of disaster management. At the same time, Ramos discussed community engagements on health and nutrition in Laguna. Oliveros concluded the talks with an enlightening presentation on the Laguna Human Milk Bank and Lactation Station.

The forum continued with its second installment on March 26, 2024, at the Baker Memorial Hall, where the participants conversed on the vital role of women in building resilience within their households. Distinguished speakers shared their experiences and expertise, highlighting the invaluable contributions of women in disaster response and recovery efforts.

Among the notable speakers were Nadine Angelica Gadia-Casiño, founder of Modern Nanays of Mindanao, who shared insights on the Marawi Siege Response, and Avellana-Fernandez, who discussed the Nanay Bayanihan Yolanda Response. 

Precious Leaño-Baluyut, co-founder of Art Relief Mobile Kitchen, emphasized the power of sisterhood in community kitchens, while Myla Beatriz Audije Gregorio, education and advocacy head of LATCH Los Baños, highlighted breastfeeding as a cost-efficient and high-impact health and disaster risk response intervention. Dr. Angelina Dr. Felix from the Institute of Human Nutrition and Food explored the importance of complementary feeding in empowering households.

The event also featured simulation exercises conducted by Vanessa Liwanag-Librero, community engagements manager at LATCH Los Baños, and a session on Laguna Human Milk Bank’s donor recruitment and orientation.

The discussions were open to the public, UPLB constituents, and breastfeeding mothers interested in safe and responsible human milk donations for infants during emergencies or disasters. The forum aimed to empower participants by recognizing and celebrating the pivotal role of women in disaster risk reduction.

As the forum concluded, organizers urged participants to take the lessons learned and actively contribute to building a safer, more resilient future together. With women at the forefront of disaster preparedness and response efforts, communities can become more resilient in the face of adversity. (Sairah R. Saipudin)