(Provincial Nutrition Action Officer Marichu G. Tijing, MPA, Misamis Occidental) – All for God’s glory and honor! From day one until the day that the Provincial Government of Misamis Occidental has been declared as a Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace and was conferred the said certificate last 16 June 2022, all we can say is, it is more than a certificate. It connotes more tasks to do and more challenges along the way for sustaining it. With this kind of program, sustainability is necessity.

Efforts have been paid off. Lot of challenges were met. The Provincial Nutrition Action Office (PNAO) spearheaded the said establishment of the Breastfeeding Room. The office re-aligned its budget to meet the budgetary requirements of the said establishment.

This certificate is an inspiration to all working mothers. This is to support and to intensify the implementation of the First 1,000 Days campaign. A way to know their rights as working moms.

This will be an inspiration also to all non-health institutions to establish breastfeeding rooms.

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10028 also known as the “Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009”, Chapter III indicates the establishment of lactation stations in all health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions. It also includes the provision of equipment and facilities to support the lactating mothers who will use the said stations. According to the same law, nursing employees are granted with 40 minutes lactation break for every eight (8) hour working period.

Thanks to Integrated Provincial Health Office for the technical assistance and pre-assessments afforded by the PGMO thru PNAO prior of the final assessment of the Department of Health Center for Health Development-Northern Mindanao, which was held last 9 June 2022.

Translating the province’s vision into reality; truest of its promise in taking care of Misamisnons.

Diyos Mabalos!