Women's group backs move to strengthen Milk Code

MANILA, Philippines - Breastfeeding advocates have expressed support for recent congressional moves to strengthen the Milk Code to enhance efforts on empowering women and address problems of malnutrition among infants and young children.

Known as one of the country’s active women organizations, Women Involved in Nation-Building (WIN) took on a strong stand in pushing for the passage of the consolidated House bill on the proposed “Act Promoting a Comprehensive Program on Breastfeeding Practices and Regulating the Trade, Marketing and Promotions of Certain Foods for Infants and Children.”

WIN sought the active participation of women to make the legislation more responsive to the needs of mothers and children.

WIN chairperson Baby del Mundo said their group is a staunch advocate of breastfeeding.

“Every WIN member believes that breast milk is the platinum standard for infant nutrition and that exclusive breastfeeding of up to 12 months and beyond will ensure our children’s overall health and wellness,” she said.

“In line with our support for breastfeeding, women also have the right to information to be able to protect and further their own health, as crucially linked to that of their babies. The more information that mothers can access, the better it is for themselves and for babies,” she said.

Particular to the legislation on breastfeeding, WIN also supports the donation of milk products during calamities and disasters, which is prohibited under existing breastfeeding laws. 

Del Mundo said, “We must strike a balance between ensuring adequate nutrition in times of disasters and safeguarding against risks of infection from water-borne diseases associated with bottle feeding. This policy will be an important component of the overall strategy to combat malnutrition and assist poverty alleviation, particularly in disaster-stricken areas.”