Expanded maternity leave lauded

CEBU, Philippines — Child Rights Network welcomed the passage of the Expanded Maternity Leave Law, which extends the paid maternity leave for women in the government and private sector to 105 days.

In a statement, CRN said that this landmark legislation provides a win-win situation for the mother, the family, and most especially, the child, whose first 1000 days are crucial for growth and development.

The group said that mothers will have more time to recuperate from pregnancy, and newborn children will not be deprived of motherly care and attention too early into their lives.

The law, they said, did not only put the paid maternity leave days in the Philippines at par with international standards, it also addresses the resounding call for mothers to be provided more time to rest after childbirth and be with their newborn at this critical period.

“We laud Congress and the government for passing a law that is based on scientific evidence and expert opinion. We hope that Congress and the administration continue on this path, and in the near future pass legislation that considers factual evidence, not myopic, and puts the best interests of children and the Filipino public at front and center,” the statement reads.

They also call on the legislators to consider passing a law that would provide equal opportunity for parenting.One such proposal is to also extend and expand the current paternity leave days.

“We also enjoin the government to build more enduring parent support mechanisms that can help parents on the road to child-rearing, and in turn ensure that Filipino children will grow up in a safe, caring, and protective environment,” the statement further reads.

CRN is the largest alliance of organizations and agencies pushing for children’s rights legislation in the Philippines. CRN has a membership of 46 organizations across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. (FREEMAN)