Ens

The Regional Sub-Committee for Nutrition-Sectoral Committee on Social Development (RSCN-SCSD) members, particularly  NNC-CaLaBaRZon -- were immensely  elated to have received  the  approved and signed resolution on the “ Creation of the Regional Development Council (RDC)-CaLaBaRZon’s Task Force on the Philippine Milk Code.”

The recent creation of Task Force is not only expected to provide full support for exclusive breastfeeding, but also strengthen the promotion of proper use of breastmilk substitutes/supplements and regulation of formula milk marketing. It will also ensure regular monitoring  of the LGUs and compliance and implementation of the Milk Code in the region.

The resolution which was endorsed to the RDC Calabarzon by the  RSCN-Sectoral Committee on Social Development (SCSD) last August 10,  was finally  signed last  September 9 via video conference. The resolution was certified correct by the RDC Secretary, Mr. Valter Morada and attested by the RDC Chairperson, Hermilando Mandanas.

The endorsement of the Task Force  was   a response to the region’s low breastfeeding rates and reported milk code violations such as donations of milk formulas (as  breastmilk substitutes), feeding bottles and other products which undermine breastfeeding and put infants and young children at risk of malnutrition.

With the implementation of the Task Force, however,  it is envisioned that exclusive breastfeeding in the region will  increase in the coming months and years.

By: Edward C. Paglinawan