Navigating a baby’s complementary feeding journey can feel overwhelming for many parents. Questions naturally arise: Am I giving my baby enough nutrients? How can I combine homemade meals with fortified foods? How do I make sure my child gets the best start in life?

To help answer these vital questions and bring science-based nutrition guidance straight to local communities, Cerelac turned its commitment into action with the Tambalang BIG Sustansya sa Barangay caravan.

Running throughout August and early September, this interactive community roadshow reached nearly 500 Filipino families across four barangays nationwide. By blending fun games, expert discussions, and practical advice, Cerelac proved that learning about child nutrition can be both highly educational and genuinely enjoyable.

Bringing Science-Based Nutrition to the Grassroots

The caravan served as an empowering venue for parents to understand the critical importance of proper nourishment during a child’s first 2,000 days of life—a foundational period that shapes long-term growth and development.

At the heart of the campaign was the Tambalang Cerelac + Homemade approach. Rather than choosing one over the other, the campaign highlighted how fortified infant cereals and home-cooked meals can work together in harmony to meet a growing baby’s daily caloric and micronutrient needs.

The nationwide tour made stops at four key locations:

• Brgy. Socorro in Cubao, Quezon City

• Brgy. Longos in Malabon City

• Brgy. Salawag in Dasmariñas, Cavite

• Brgy. Macabalan in Cagayan de Oro City

The final leg in Cagayan de Oro was particularly milestone-worthy. CDO was the exact site of Cerelac’s local clinical study on complementary feeding among Filipino infants, making it a fitting conclusion to a mission focused on grounding community education in proven science.

Heartfelt Words and Celebrity Moments

Each event opened with warm welcoming remarks from Sophia Samoy, Nestlé Brand Manager for Baby Food, who reaffirmed the brand’s enduring legacy.

“For 160 years, we have remained committed to the belief that every child deserves the right nutrition to help them grow and thrive,” Samoy shared. “Bahagi ng commitment na ito ang patuloy naming pagpapabuti ng aming mga produkto at pagbibigay ng science-based nutrition information sa mga magulang, to better support the nutritional needs of Filipino babies.”

The caravan saw its highest attendance in Cavite, where 150 families gathered. Adding excitement to the event was celebrity mom and Miss World 2013 Megan Young, who spoke candidly about her personal journey as a mother making hands-on feeding decisions.

“Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kailangan nating gawing complicated ang bawat meal,” Young explained to the parents. “We can start with the food we already prepare at home, learn more about what our babies need, and find ways to give them more BIG Sustansya with a tested and proven product like CERELAC.”

Learning Through Play: The "Tambalan Bingo" Experience

A crowd-favorite highlight across all four locations was “Tambalan Bingo,” led by renowned pediatrician Dr. Katrina Florcruz-Dacanay (Fellow of the Philippine Pediatric Society, active consultant at Diliman Doctors Hospital, and TV host on UNTV’s Baby Talk).

Through this interactive game, parents learned about essential vitamins and minerals in a stress-free environment. Dr. Florcruz-Dacanay debunked common myths surrounding complementary feeding, reassuring parents that home-cooked food and fortified cereals complement each other.

“Hindi kailangan mamili ng mga magulang kung homemade lang ba o fortified infant cereal ang ibibigay nila, kasi parehas lang sila ng purpose na mabigyan ng tamang sustansya ang mga bulilit,” explained Dr. Florcruz-Dacanay. “Mahalagang bahagi ng diet ni baby ang homemade food. Ang fortified infant cereals naman ay nakakatulong magbigay ng energy at mahahalagang nutrients na sakto sa pangangailangan nina baby.”

She highlighted that clinical studies demonstrate how fortified infant cereals directly support higher nutrient intake and proper growth trajectories in young children.

Empathetic Partners in Every Parent’s Journey

As the Tambalang BIG Sustansya sa Barangay caravan concluded, parents walked away with more than just good memories—they left with practical knowledge, renewed confidence, and a strong support network for raising healthy bulilits.

Through real-world community engagement, expert advice, and interactive fun, Cerelac reaffirmed its pledge to stand alongside Filipino parents every step of the way.

Quick Guide: Finding the Right Cerelac for Your Baby

Whether you are starting solid foods or looking for convenient options on the go, Cerelac offers science-backed choices tailored to your baby's developmental stage: