CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 3, in partnership with the Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH-CLCHD), called on both public and private institutions to establish breastfeeding stations in workplaces to support the health and well-being of working mothers.
DOH-CLCHD Health Program Officer Gayle Tayag emphasized the need to create enabling spaces for women of reproductive age who are balancing professional responsibilities with family life.
“Many of our women in the workforce are of reproductive age. While they help sustain their families by working, they must also be supported in fulfilling their roles as mothers,” she said.
Tayag noted that while breastfeeding is a natural and time-honored practice, societal barriers still persist.
Discrimination against breastfeeding mothers, particularly in public or workplace settings, remains a challenge, often due to a lack of facilities and lingering stigma.
To address this, the DOH issued Administrative Order 2011-0035, aligned with Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, and Executive Order 51, mandating the setting up of mother and baby friendly workplaces.
The policy outlines details such as at least 40 minutes of paid lactation break per 8-hour work shift, which must be separate from regular break times. It also includes guidelines for operating the breastfeeding station and responsibilities of both users and administrators.
Tayag emphasized that lactation stations are not merely a legal requirement, but a symbol of institutional support for women’s health and rights.
“We must go beyond compliance. Breastfeeding support should be a part of a larger culture of care, respect, and empowerment in every workplace,” she pressed.
She also reminded institutions to avoid sponsorship from formula milk companies or medical distributors, in accordance with the Milk Code.
NNC III and DOH-CLCHD continue to collaborate with local government units, agencies, and institutions across Central Luzon to raise awareness on paper nutrition, maternal health, and child care. (MJSC/MAGP, PIA Region 3-Pampanga GIP)