A UNIQUE exhibit sought to raise awareness on the benefits of breastfeeding and the beauty of a mother’s journey with her child through the creative expressions of Ilonggo artists.
SM City Iloilo, in partnership with breastfeeding advocates, kicked off the National Breastfeeding Month with the art exhibit “Ilig sang Kabuhi” (Flow of Life) at SM City-Iloilo Northpoint Event Center on Aug. 8.
“We hope to positively promote breastfeeding by mothers as a means to nourish their children, in support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals targeting zero hunger, good health and well-being,” said SM City Iloilo mall manager Engineer Gilbert Domingo.
The art exhibit also included live sketching of mothers breastfeeding their babies by local artists belonging to Himbon Contemporary Ilonggo Artist Group.
Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival, according to the World Health Organization. Scientific studies have shown that breast milk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
Domingo along with advocacy group Breastfeeding Ilonggas co-founder and chair Adhara Sebuado, Rotary Club of Midtown Iloilo president Ivy Evangelista-Casanas, Philippine Pediatric Society – WV Breastfeeding Committee chairman Dr. Ma. Janette De Ramos, and Himbon vice president Gina Apostol led the opening of the Breastfeeding Art Exhibit.
“SM Cares. We support individual choices that mothers make with regard to her health and breastfeeding preference,” said Domingo.
There are Breastfeeding Stations across all SM Supermalls nationwide. They have welcomed over one million mothers since their introduction, averaging nearly 170,000 visitors annually.
“Breastfeeding is a commitment. Naga-pump gid ako in between work para may madala puli sa bata ko then kon gab-i direct latching kami,” said working mother Holy Rose Denila of Santa Barbara, Iloilo who joined the National Breastfeeding Month kick-off activity.
The “Ilig sang Kabuhi” art exhibit will run until Aug. 22, 2022./PN
