Senator Pushes Barangay Breastfeeding Centers Nationwide
Senator Camille Villar is championing the establishment of dedicated breastfeeding centers in every barangay across the Philippines. This initiative aims to provide Filipino mothers with crucial support and ensure proper nutrition for infants through accessible, community-based breastfeeding hubs.
The senator filed the “Barangay Breastfeeding Centers Act,” which mandates these centers to offer free breastfeeding guidance, educational materials, and health promotion campaigns. Furthermore, barangay health workers will undergo regular training to enhance their capacity in supporting breastfeeding mothers and their children, officials reported.
Vital Role of Breastfeeding for Mothers and Infants
“Breast milk is the ideal food for babies — it provides complete nutrition, strengthens immunity, and even supports mothers’ mental health by reducing risks of postpartum depression,” Villar emphasized. “Yet, many Filipino families still face barriers to breastfeeding. By bringing dedicated breastfeeding centers to every barangay, we can improve child survival, ease the financial burden on parents, and build healthier communities,” community members noted.
As the youngest senator in the 20th Congress and vice chair of the Senate committee on health and demography, Villar underlined the urgency of prioritizing maternal and child health at all levels of government. She also serves on the committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality.
Addressing Low Breastfeeding Rates in the Philippines
According to data from the Department of Health and the World Health Organization, only 34 percent of Filipino infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. This figure falls short of the global target of at least 50 percent. Health experts have noted that breastfeeding significantly lowers child mortality caused by diarrhea and pneumonia, while also reducing mothers’ risks of breast and ovarian cancers.
The proposed measure seeks to strengthen existing laws such as the Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 and the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, local leaders remarked.
Community Responsibility in Supporting Breastfeeding Mothers
Marking National Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August, Villar reminded the public that supporting breastfeeding mothers transcends personal choice and is a collective community duty. “As we mark National Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August, let us remember that supporting breastfeeding mothers is not just a personal choice but a shared community responsibility,” she said.
By institutionalizing barangay breastfeeding centers, the bill aims to remove obstacles Filipino mothers face and foster a nurturing environment conducive to infant health and maternal wellbeing, sources said.
For more news and updates on breastfeeding advocacy, visit Filipinokami.com.
