Acceptance and distribution of donations of infant formula, powdered milk and other milk, breastmilk substitute, commercial baby food, feeding bottles, artificial nipples and teats are strictly PROHIBITED as it undermines Exclusive Breastfeeding in the first six months of life.
This was reiterated today by the Department of Health-Center for Health Development 1 (DOH-CHD 1) through an advisory signed by DOH-CHD1 Director IV and Regional Nutrition Committee Chairperson, Dr. Valeriano Jesus Lopez addressed to the Provincial/City/Municipal Health Officers, Provincial/City/Municipal Nutrition Actions Officers, District Nutrition Program Coordinators, Medical Center Chiefs, Provincial Health Team Leaders, DOH representatives and all other concerned.
The advisory strongly emphasized during emergency and disaster situation that all Local Government Units, Rural Health Units, Retained and District Hospitals are hereby requested to strictly implement the Executive Order 51, The Philippine Milk Code and the DOH – AO No. 2007 – 0017 regarding acceptance and processing of donations.
The Executive Order 51, otherwise known as the “Milk Code”, aims to ensure the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants and young children by the promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding and by ensuring the proper use of breast milk substitutes, breast milk supplements and related products when these are medically indicated and only when necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution. Administrative sanction shall also be imposed for any person found to have violated the provisions of the Milk Code and its implementing rules and regulations.
During this pandemic, the increasing number of LGUs and other concerned donors in exerting much effort to enhance the quality of food rations through inclusion of fruits and vegetables in the food packs is highly notable and commendable. Others also intensified promotion of home gardening as the most accessible source of quality nutritious food with the help of our partners from the agriculture sectors.
Reported cases of violations of the said policies and issuances are all over social media which are being addressed by government sectors concerned. Also, the National Nutrition Council issued the Nutrition Cluster Advisory No. 01 Series of 2020 that provide the guidelines on LGUs nutrition actions relative to COVID-19.
Among 0-6 months old infants, exclusive breastfeeding is still the best, along with giving of appropriate complementary feeding while continuing breastfeeding when the child reaches 6 months up to two years and beyond . This was strongly promoted in Kumainment #2 of the 10 Kumainments. If not possible, rather than using infant formula or commercial baby food, mothers may prepare nutritionally adequate diet by mashing vegetables and fruits for their babies. Mothers may also look for pasteurized donated breast milk or by wet nursing.
Let’s all be part of the advocacy. For any concerns and queries, contact the hotline numbers provided by DOH-CHD1 at cellphone numbers 0908 873 8451 (Globe) and 0995 865 3945 (Smart) or through email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or their official FB account Ilocos Center for Health Development. You may also contact/PM us through our official FB page National Nutrition Council Region 1 and email address This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Together, let’s join our hands and help each other and take responsibility to ensure the safety and nutritional well-being of our children especially on their First 1000 Days of Life!/JMP
