PALO, LEYTE – The Department of Education Regional Office VIII released its Regional Memorandum 261, series of 2020 reiterating the Milk Code of the Philippines and the guidelines on the acceptance and processing of foreign and local donations during emergency and disaster situation. This came about during the Regional Nutrition Cluster Meeting discussion on COVID-19 nutrition-related issues, wherein reports were forwarded that some groups of teachers were asking for help to include milk formula to be included in the food packs. This was, however, trapped through the vigilant social media monitoring and active case finding by the members of the Nutrition Cluster.

The memorandum which was signed by Regional Director Ramir B. Uytico on 13 May 2020 would like to remind all officials and personnel of the Department of Education not to donate nor accept donations of infant formula or any breast milk substitute to infants and young children.

Section 8 of the Revised Implementing Rules and Regulation of Executive Order 51 statement C provides that promotion, protection, and support of breastfeeding and the proper implementation of the Milk Code shall be an integral part of all information, education, and communication plans and training activities of the Department of Health, as well as that of the Department of Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Local Government Units and other concerned agencies.

The COVID-19 pandemic allows us to do maximum advocacy to include the importance of protecting optimal nutrition, including breastfeeding, which is necessary for children’s health and survival. #NASLabordo