NOEL BAGUIO
Online news contributor
TAGUM CITY: Blazing the trail as a mother-baby-friendly province, the Provincial Government of Davao del Norte is launching its new breastfeeding room in the workplace on Aug. 6, at the Provincial Capitol Building.
The fully air-conditioned breastfeeding lounge, which will be opened both to the provincial employees and the visiting clients, can accommodate as many as ten breastfeeding moms at a time. The room is equipped with cribs, a sofa and refrigerator, among other amenities.
Governor Rodolfo Del Rosario said the launching of said breastfeeding room shows his new administration’s effort in promoting, protecting and supporting breastfeeding, which is a key factor in the infant's survival that brings far-reaching advantages for the mothers, families, and the whole society.
According to the World Health Organization, breast milk contains antibodies and enzymes that speed the healthy growth and development of infants and may also lower the risk of chronic diseases later in life.
DOH Regional breastfeeding coordinator Ma. Clarose Mascardo confirmed this is the first local government unit breastfeeding room in the region, if not in the whole country.
Glorideta Oclarit, nurse of the Provincial Health Office said the event will mark the provincial government’s all-out support to the infant and young child feeding (IYCF) program of the national government, while also serving as a strong expression of solidarity to the global World Breastfeeding Week campaign slated this week.
Cherryl Charito Castillo, a clerk of the Provincial Human Resources Management Office, who breastfeeds her 6-month old infant, welcomed the opening of said nursing lounge.
She said it would greatly benefit lactating employees of the provincial government, who often bear the painful engorgement of their breasts while working many hours away from their infants.
“With this new breastfeeding room, nursing workers like me can now have enough quality time to bond with our babies even while at work,” she beamed.
DOH Asst. Sec., Dr. David Lozada, Jr. is expected to grace the said event as honored guest speaker. Other dignitaries who were invited include representatives from the WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund.