19 March 2021, Cagayan de Oro City — In a MOA signing and turnover ceremony held 18 March 2021, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon received equipment and auxiliary items for its upcoming Human Milk Hub.

LGU Manolo Fortich partnered with Cagayan de Oro City Executive Lions Club, which provided the equipment, for this endeavor. Mayor Clive D. Quiño and President Alain Pacatan of CDO Executive Lions Club engaged in a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

The activity was witnessed by Councilor Christy Leparto-Salabe, District Governor Jocelyn Tan Malack-Tan of Lions Club International, CDO Executive Lions Club members, Modern Nanays of Mindanao, National Nutrition Council X and Municipal Nutrition Office staff.

The partner humanitarian organization turned over two (2) upright freezers, one (1) sterilizer, two (2) sealers, two (2) cabinets, and auxiliary items such as breastmilk storage bags, breast pumps, hair net, lab gown and even ferrous fumarate. A pasteurizer will also be provided, which is still in transit from Manila as of this writing.

Mayor Quiño reiterated the LGU’s commitment to nutrition and expressed his gratitude to the organization for choosing Manolo Fortich as their partner LGU. As a response, Mr. Pacatan replied that their organization acknowledged the benefits and sustainability potential of the project, based on the LGU’s proposal. He declared that they believe in the capacity of Manolo Fortich due to the LGU’s leadership and support, and capabilities and efforts of the MNO personnel. On the other hand, District Governor Jocelyn Tan Malack-Tan of Lions Club International stated that with the organization’s service and humanitarian efforts, they will take part of the massive campaign and information drive for the project.

In behalf of NPC Gladys Mae S. Fernandez, Nutrition Officer III Sheena Marie G. Talle delivered a message where NNC X commended the efforts of both parties for establishing the Human Milk Hub. Since the initiative is the first of its kind among LGUs in the region, NNC X expressed its hopes that other areas will be inspired to do the same.

During the activity, Nutrition Action Officer (NAO) Christy Marie V. Alsado presented the overview of the Manolo Fortich Human Milk Hub. In her discussion, she likewise presented the roles and functions of the LGU and the partner organization.

At present, the construction is ongoing for the Manolo Fortich Nutrition Rehabilitation Center (NutriHab), which will serve as the Milk Hub at the same time. The above-mentioned equipment will be temporarily housed in the Breastfeeding Room of the LGU’s Botika ng Bayan. The construction of the NutriHab is expected to be completed by September 2021.

MNAO Alsado eyes for a fully operational Human Milk Bank in the future, once the building, facilities, manpower, and other considerations will be in place. “We will start based on our current capacities and gradually upgrade as we invest in this project and learn the ropes of establishing a fully functional Milk Bank,” she said.

The Human Milk Hub initiative of Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon aims to provide a storage facility for breastmilk that can be distributed to lactating mothers and infants under critical care, during calamities and as the need arises. (NO III Sheena Marie G. Talle)