NMP Launches New Lactation Station
Tacloban City – Pursuant to Republic Act No. 10028, also known as the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, mandating the establishment of breast feeding facility in public places and facilities, as well as in government and private workplaces, the National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) launched its lactation station located at the 2nd Floor of the NMP Administration Building, Cabalawan, Tacloban City on 19 August 2019.
A perfect gift for NMP’s working mothers and female clients, just in time for the observance of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month this August, the launching of the NMP’s lactation station intends to highlight the importance of breastfeeding which has proven to have a lot of beneficial effects not only to babies but also to mothers.
The institution of the lactation station is in support of the State’s policy to protect working women by providing safe and healthful working conditions, taking into account their maternal functions, and such facilities and opportunities that will enhance their welfare and enable them to realize their full potential in the service of the nation.
It is also part of the localization of the Magna Carta of Women (MCW) which aims to address the practical gender needs of working mothers. NMP lactation station is adequately provided with the necessary equipment and facilities, such as comfortable seat; refrigerator for storing expressed breastmilk; lavatory for hand-washing; purified water for drinking; and electric fan for ventilation and is open during weekdays from 8AM to 5PM.
Moreover, in order to raise public awareness on the importance of and to further promote breastfeeding, a Seminar-Lecture on Breastfeeding was facilitated by the NMP Gender and Development (GAD) Committee. Resource Speakers were Ms. Felecita R. Borata and Ms. Kristel Agote from the Department of Health (DOH) – Eastern Visayas.
Ms. Borata expressed her appreciation on NMP’s effort of establishing a mother-baby friendly workplace and for promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding.
The lecture highlighted the many benefits of breastfeeding to women and children and the proper positioning and attachment for effective breastfeeding. It was also emphasized that one of the factors that contribute to the success of breastfeeding is the existence of mother’s support group (husbands, relatives, and friends).
The activity was attended by NMP personnel and some residents and barangay officials of Brgy. Cabalawan, Tacloban City.