Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda recently inaugurated the 24th Encuentro Nacional de Alimentación y Desarrollo Comunitario (National Conference on Food and Community Development). This event focuses on developing decisive strategies and joint projects that ensure humanitarian healthcare through strengthened coordination between the National DIF System and the 32 State DIF Systems.

The governor highlighted that the collaborative initiatives and lessons shared during the conference aim to transform lives across Mexico, fostering a more inclusive and equitable society where health is recognized and guaranteed as a fundamental right.

"The foundation of comprehensive well-being starts with access to nutritious food from an early age," she said. "That’s why I want to share one of my favorite Baja Californian social programs: Pancita Llena, Corazón Contento, which provides hot meals to all elementary schools without exception."

This program currently benefits more than 337,000 children in Baja California’s elementary schools, offering them nutritious and delicious meals free of charge.

Governor Marina del Pilar also emphasized significant progress made in supporting vulnerable groups, thanks to a strategy focused on comprehensive social assistance, food security, and community development. However, she stressed that as long as even one family lacks access to adequate food, efforts must be redoubled.

Additionally, she expressed confidence in Baja California's ability to eliminate extreme poverty and ensure that no family lives in scarcity.

"We recently signed a joint commitment with the state’s seven municipalities to expand efforts and investments in supporting people living in Baja California’s 53 most underserved communities," she announced.

María del Rocío García Pérez, head of the National DIF System, underscored the importance of strengthening comprehensive social assistance strategies. She highlighted the transition to hot breakfasts nationwide as a critical initiative to ensure every child in Mexico is reached.

"We must ensure that the meals provided to our children are not only nutritious but also high-quality and appealing. Proper nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life can prevent 45% of deaths related to childhood malnutrition," she explained.

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s commitment, she added, is to build an inclusive, equitable, and effective healthcare system, laying the groundwork for a future where care is a right, not a privilege—particularly for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

Mavis Olmeda García, President of the Baja California DIF System, noted that since Governor Marina del Pilar took office, she has implemented decisive strategies to uphold children’s rights.

"From her first day in office, Governor Marina del Pilar directed us to enact collective actions, strategies, and public policies to ensure access to nutritious, sufficient, and high-quality food, along with education and healthcare," she stated.

She further explained that the conference provides a platform to share experiences, lessons, and successful practices, contributing to a strategy that integrates social assistance, food security, and community development. It also marks a historic milestone with the establishment of the first National Care System coordination meeting.

The conference will unveil new healthy lifestyle guidelines and school initiatives, reinforcing Baja California’s commitment to supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring comprehensive assistance for all.

She emphasized that DIF Baja California has joined the 100 transformation commitments championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, including building Children’s Assistance Centers and prioritizing support for the children of single mothers working in agriculture in San Quintín and the maquiladora industry in Tecate.

The event was attended by representatives from 18 State DIF Systems, including those from Baja California Sur, Tlaxcala, Sinaloa, Aguascalientes, Campeche, Quintana Roo, and Chiapas. Other notable attendees included Diana Asunción Pérez Álvarez, Managing Director of DIF Baja California; Ismael Burgueño Ruiz, Mayor of Tijuana; Patricia Clark, Secretary of the General Public Health Council, among others.

RELATED VIDEO: Governor Marina del Pilar at the 24th National Conference on Food and Community Development
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