8 August 2022, Cagayan de Oro City – Region 10 Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Task Force led by the Department of Health Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao (DOH CHD-NM) launched the designation of breastfeeding seats in Public Utility Buses (PUBs) regionwide. It was conducted along with the kick-off of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, which is celebrated every August by virtue of Republic Act No. 10028. This law mandates the establishment of lactation stations that is accessible to breastfeeding mothers in all facilities including public places.

The activity was held last 1 August 2022 at Kiosko, Divisoria, Cagayan de Oro City. It was attended by approximately 200 participants composed of the IYCF Task Force member agencies, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 10, Region 10 Bus Operators, representatives from Cagayan de Oro City Nutrition Office, and breastfeeding mothers from different barangays in the city.

Breastmilk is the ideal food for all infants because it is safe and contains antibodies that will protect the babies from common childhood diseases. Also, breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. To ensure the health and welfare of infants and young children, the Region 10 IYCF Task Force pushes for the implementation of the Breastfeeding-Seat Initiative in all PUBs in Northern Mindanao by issuing a resolution during its meeting in October 2015 – “Requesting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Region 10 to Enjoin and Require All Bus Operators in Region X to Designate a Breastfeeding Seat Inside their Buses”

During the Regional Social Development Committee (RSDC) X meeting held last 2020, DOH CHD-NM requested RSDC X to issue a resolution enforcing bus companies to support the RA 10028. This initiative is recognized and supported by the Regional Development Council (RDC) X through RDC X Resolution No. 91, series of 2020 entitled, “Supporting the Implementation of Breastfeeding-seat Initiative of the Department of Health Center for Health Development – Northern Mindanao and Enjoining the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to Support Republic Act 10028”.

The said resolution mandates the LTFRB 10 to issue a directive requiring all the bus operators to reserve a breastfeeding seat in all buses with inter and intra-region routes. Likewise, the LTFRB 10 shall provide measures to ensure the privacy of breastfeeding mothers.

After several consultative meetings with the IYCF Task Force, LTFRB 10 released a Provisional Order to all bus operators in the region to designate a reserved seat for breastfeeding mothers in all their bus units. The two (2) full seats of the third row from the driver’s seat, indicated with a signage, shall be the designated breastfeeding seats per the Provisional Order. The order was signed by Regional Director Aminoden D. Guro of LTFRB 10 last 23 June 2022.

Aside from PUBs, Director Guro assured the public that the breastfeeding seats will also be implemented in modernized Public Utility Jeepneys (PUJs) and Utility Vans. Further, Director Guro said that he will recommend to the LTFRB Board Members to issue a memorandum circular to include the designation of breastfeeding seats as part of the Terms and Conditions of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) of public utility vehicle operators all over the country.

During the event, major bus operators in the region, namely Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI), Super 5 Transport, PABAMA Express, Bagong Lipunan Express, and DONSALS Express showed their support to the initiative by signing the pledge of commitment.

The Regional IYCF Task Force will conduct regular monitoring of all PUBs and bus terminals to strengthen the implementation of the Breastfeeding-Seat Initiative.

Dr. David Mendoza, DOH CHD-NM Local Health Support Division Chief hopes that through the implementation of the said initiative, breastfeeding in public will be normalized, wherein breastfeeding moms will feel more comfortable when feeding their babies in public.

The Region 10 IYCF Task Force members continually commit to intensify its promotion and support to breastfeeding and related initiatives so mothers can breastfeed their babies anytime and anywhere, even in transit. (Development Management Officer II Arlie Joy O. Damiles / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / 09631090198)