Breastfeeding seats in Northern Mindanao public buses launched

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH)-Northern Mindanao regional office, through its Infant and Young Child Feeding Task Force and in partnership with the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), has launched a breastfeeding seat initiative in public buses in the region.

The move is in support of Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act, which mandates the putting up of lactation stations that are accessible to breastfeeding women.

DOH regional office head Dr. David Mendoza said breastfeeding is among the solutions to malnutrition, noting that mother’s milk is the cheapest and has the best nutrients.

LTFRB regional director Aminoden Guro said bus operators should reserve two full seats on the third row for breastfeeding mothers.

Violators face a fine of P5,000, P10,000 and P15,000 for the first, second and third offense, respectively, as well as cancellation or revocation of franchise.