Philippine Infant and Young Child Feeding Strategic Plan of Action for 2011-2016.

The planning process took off from the National Plan of Action for IYCF 2005-2010. The plan was developed through a highly participatory manner. Two workshops were conducted, the first in September 15-17, 2009 to review the program performance and determine the planning framework and the second in March 24-26, 2010 to set the strategies and the activities of the plan. A series of consultations followed before the completion of the document. The goal of the Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Strategic Plan of Action for 2011-2016 is to reduce child mortality and morbidity through optimal feeding of infants and young children. Its main objective is to ensure and accelerate the promotion, protection and support of good IYCF practice.
The IYCF Strategic Plan of Action upholds the following guiding principles: 1. Children have the right to adequate nutrition and access to safe and nutritious food, and both are essential for fulfilling their right to the highest attainable standard of health; 2. Mothers and Infants form a biological and social unit and improved IYCF begins with ensuring the health and nutritional status of women; 3. Almost every woman can breastfeed provided they have accurate information and support from their families, communities and responsible health and non-health related institutions during critical settings and various circumstances including special and emergency situations; 4. The national and local government, development partners, non-government organizations, business sectors, professional groups, academe and other stakeholders acknowledges their responsibilities and form alliances and partnerships for improving IYCF with no conflict of interest; 5. Strengthened communication approaches focusing on behavioral and social change is essential for demand generation and community empowerment.