Senator Voices Strong Support for Breastfeeding
Senator Loren Legarda expressed unwavering support for the privilege speech delivered by Senator Pia Cayetano, highlighting the urgent need to protect and promote breastfeeding in the Philippines. The four-word keyphrase breastfeeding in the Philippines is central to this advocacy, as officials reported the ongoing challenges faced by mothers nationwide.
“Breastfeeding is a proven life-saving intervention,” Legarda emphasized. She cited recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, which advocate for initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, practicing exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, and continuing alongside complementary feeding for up to two years or longer. These guidelines underscore breastfeeding in the Philippines as a vital public health priority.
Concerning Breastfeeding Statistics Revealed
Recent data from the 2023 National Nutrition Survey revealed troubling statistics about breastfeeding in the Philippines. Only 61.2% of infants were breastfed within the first hour of life, and exclusive breastfeeding for infants under six months dropped to just 50.4%. Moreover, 17.7% of newborns received pre-lacteal feeds such as formula or other liquids, which undermine breastfeeding success from the outset, community members noted.
Legarda explained that these figures point to systemic issues beyond personal choice. She cited inadequate workplace accommodations for nursing mothers, uneven access to milk banks, fragile cold chain and inventory systems, and the lack of organized donor networks in many regions as significant barriers to improving breastfeeding in the Philippines.
Addressing Systemic Gaps to Protect Infants
“To address these gaps, we need stronger policies, better agency coordination, and a culture that genuinely supports mothers and babies,” Legarda stated. She stressed that breastfeeding is a shared responsibility requiring cooperation among government agencies, communities, and workplaces alike.
Introducing the Breast Milk Banking Act
Legarda emphasized that “breastfeeding is a natural right, not a luxury,” yet many mothers face difficult choices during crises that affect their ability to nourish their babies. To tackle these challenges, she filed Senate Bill No. 792, known as the Breast Milk Banking Act, which aims to strengthen rooming-in, breastfeeding, and breast milk banking practices across the country.
This bill proposes expanding and amending existing laws such as the Rooming-in and Breastfeeding Act of 1992 and its amendments. It seeks to establish a National Breast Milk Banking Strategy, increase the number of regional milk bank units and satellite banks, and mandate standardized safety protocols for milk collection, screening, and storage. Additionally, it calls for a real-time online tracking system to ensure efficient distribution of donor milk.
Officials reported that this legislation would guarantee timely access to safe donor milk for premature and emergency-affected infants, representing a critical long-term investment in child health and nutrition.
Promoting Sustainable Breastfeeding Support Nationwide
“By institutionalizing breast milk banks, we can significantly boost exclusive breastfeeding rates and give every Filipino child a stronger start in life,” Legarda added. She urged her fellow senators to prioritize and pass the bill during Breastfeeding Awareness Month in August, making breastfeeding support accessible and sustainable for all Filipino families.
For more news and updates on breastfeeding in the Philippines, visit Filipinokami.com.
