MABALACAT CITY, PAMPANGA - Hakab 'Ta 2026 took place at the Mabalacat City Cultural Center to celebrate breastfeeding, proper latching techniques, and family health, carrying the unifying theme "One Love, One Latch, One Nation!" . The event highlighted the importance of creating an enabling and supportive environment where mothers are encouraged and empowered to breastfeed their children . Hakab 'Ta is a nationwide observance held in celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and World Breastfeeding Week, with events also taking place in other regions such as the Southern Isabela Medical Center and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.
A Collaborative Effort for Maternal and Child Health
The event was made possible through the collaboration of key partners, including the Philippine Pediatric Society (Metro Angeles Chapter), the Philippine Medical Association, and the Local Government of Mabalacat. The Philippine Pediatric Society is a nationwide organization of physicians dedicated to the care of infants, children, and adolescents, providing leadership in training, research, and community aspects of child health . Breastfeeding is recognized as a vital component of maternal and child health, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from common illnesses and support healthy development. The Philippine Medical Association serves as the umbrella organization of the medical profession in the country, committed to excellent healthcare delivery and promoting the healing ministrations of physicians . Breastfeeding is recognized as a vital component of maternal and child health, providing essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from common illnesses.
Tabnuan: A Venue Steeped in Culture and History
The Mabalacat City Cultural Center, known as Tabnuan, is located in a repurposed historical building that served as the seat of government of the old town . Built in the late Spanish colonial period in 1889 as the Casa Tribunal, it served as the municipal building during the American period and survived the devastations of World War II . The center features a variety of amenities, including rooms dedicated to historical descriptions, a pasalubong center showcasing products from local micro, small, and medium enterprises, a training room, and an exhibit hall featuring works of Gawad Manlilikha ng Bayan awardees and Order of National Artists recipients . The venue also houses Cafe Municipio, which serves the city's own Balacat tea, offering visitors a taste of local flavors and hospitality . The center is a fitting location for promoting family health, reflecting the city's deep sense of moral values and cultural awareness, one of the pillars of its development mission .
