The majority of infants in Eastern Visayas are being breastfed early, with many mothers continuing the practice up to two years, according to the 2023 National Nutrition Survey of the Department of Science and Technology–Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI).
The survey showed that 67.9 percent of infants and young children in the region are initiated to breastfeeding shortly after birth. About 59.3 percent of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed, which experts say is vital for their health and nutrition.
Breastfeeding continues for 73.6 percent of infants up to one year, while nearly half (47.7 percent) of young children remain breastfed up to two years.
National Nutrition Council (NNC) Eastern Visayas program coordinator Catalino Dotollo said these figures highlight significant progress in the region’s breastfeeding practices.
“Even with the prevalence of food insecurity, we have supportive programs like improved exclusive breastfeeding and comprehensive dietary supplementation. These contributed to the downtrend in stunting, wasting, overweight, and obesity,” Dotollo said.
Eastern Visayas ranked 5th among 17 regions for timely breastfeeding initiation among children 0–23 months. It placed 1st nationwide in continued breastfeeding at one year and 4th in the country for continued breastfeeding at two years.
The NNC emphasized that breastmilk provides the right balance of vitamins, protein, and fat needed for babies’ growth and overall health. Exclusive breastfeeding—giving infants only breastmilk, with no water, solid food, or other liquids except medicines or vitamins—is strongly recommended for the first six months of life.