By Nimfa Estrellado REAL, Quezon - Last year, the town of Real considered implementing a lactation support policy in municipal offices a...
REAL, Quezon - Last year, the town of Real considered implementing a lactation support policy in municipal offices and establishments; now, nursing mothers in the town can expect secure, clean, and convenient pumping spaces.
The province of Quezon's board members recently approved an ordinance promoting breastfeeding and the use of breast milk, requiring all offices and establishments within the municipality to do so.
"This ordinance will help employees feel comfortable and respected when breastfeeding by requiring employers to provide quality accommodations," said Board Member John Joseph Aquivido of the third district in a committee report.
It also asks that policies under Republic Act 10028 and Republic Act 7600, or "An act providing incentives to all government and private health institutions with rooming-in and breastfeeding practices and for other purposes, or having office space for breastfeeding", be implemented immediately to allow 15 or more females of reproductive age 15-49 years old to prove their female employees with lactation station and other facilities.
In an interview, Aquivido, head of Committee on Health and Sanitation of the council who also sponsored the ordinance, expressed gratitude and said he supports providing a space for mothers for lactation activities.
"Nursing mothers have the right to breastfeed their child in any public or private location, except another person's private home or residence where you and your child are otherwise authorized," he said.
"The board approved the ordinance with no objections, and this is part of the province's promotion of breastfeeding and the use of breast milk," he added.
According to ordinance, station supervisors are required to meet the needs of breastfeeding women by designating a private area within unit facilities as a lactation room. The room could be temporary or permanent, depending on the need and availability.
Lactation rooms should be private, secure, sanitary, and equipped with refrigeration, hot and cold running water, and electrical outlets.
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