Traveling for Holy Week? Camille Prats stresses child safety

MANILA, Philippines — Resting for a while after her daughter Nala was born in September 2017, actress Camille Prats-Yambao is now back to work, and with a purpose.

The busy young mom’s latest project helps to create awareness for the “Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act of 2017,” approved by the House of Representatives last year, and is now for deliberation in the Senate. This comes at an important time, because in the Philippines alone, it has been reported that more than 600 children have died in road crashes from 2006 to 2014, according to recent statistics.

To help raise awareness for children’s safety when travelling, Camille partners with a global quality manufacturer of baby car seats, strollers, high chairs, and baby carriers.

"I believe that safety is important, especially when we're on the road with our children,” said Prats Yambao. “That's why I am so thankful that finally, we will soon be required to make sure our babies and children are protected while they are riding in vehicles. It's also great that Joie, one of the best brands trusted by parents around the world for this purpose, is also now available here in the Philippines.”

According to the World Health Organization, a good car safety system with rear-facing restraint can reduce the risk of injury for children aged zero to four by 80 to 90 percent, as compared to having only a seat belt, where the risk of injury for children is reduced only by 32 percent.

“I know that here in the Philippines, a lot of parents are not used to putting their babies and toddlers in car seats, but in other countries it has been required for a long time already, because of the safety factor. So it’s about time that we focus on keeping our children safe when travelling,” said Prats-Yambao.

Although Camille loves carrying her baby, she believes using car seats and strollers are a big help.

“Let's face it – when you go to the mall and you have to walk very long distances, carrying 15 kilograms or more for even just a few minutes can put stress on my back, which can actually be prevented when we use the stroller, so I really love to use it. When we visit our friends or go to other people’s houses, the baby stays in the stroller, and has her own space instead of putting her on the sofa or wherever,” shared Prats-Yambao.

“Using a car seat gives me peace of mind, and greater mobility too, while riding in the car. At least I don’t have to carry the baby all the time while on the road – which is less hassle for me, and keeps the baby calm and happy.”