Sunday, August 12, 2007 Cebu eyed as breastfeeding capital
SEN. Pia Cayetano wants to make Cebu the breastfeeding capital in the country.
When asked why Cebu, Cayetano asked back, “Why not Cebu?”
She later explained that Cebu is the biggest metropolis outside Metro Manila and is the melting pot of the Visayas and Mindanao.
Cayetano is a staunch supporter of breastfeeding, even penning the Breastfeeding Promotions Law, which was passed in the Senate but bypassed at the Lower House.
She plans to re-pass the bill this year.
The bill seeks to provide a lactation room or a place where a mother can express her milk, in every company and in public places. It also aims to provide a lactation break for mothers.
Companies are wary, though, that this could spell a loss for them, paying the working mother a salary for less time at work.
But Cayetano noted a study tht showed lactating mothers are actually more efficient at work.
“Kasi hindi na magkakasakit ang kanilang babies (Because their babies are healthy,) there will be less absenteeism from work,” said Cayetano.
This is under the premise that breast milk is healthier than milk formulas.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 16,000 babies die annually around the globe, because the lack of breastfeeding has compromised their health.
Cayetano also aims to promote breastfeeding not just because of health reasons but also for financial purposes.
Parents can save as much as P2,000 to P4,000 a month with breastfeeding.
Savings should also be promoted, said Cayetano, since this would entice fathers to encourage the wives to breastfeed babies.
The senator spoke to some mothers with their babies during a breastfeeding activity at the Holiday Wellness Gym and Spa yesterday.
After that, she also spoke about physical fitness at the same venue, discussing her “Pinay in action” project that pushes for camaraderie among women through fitness.
Cayetano will join the 21 K Milo Marathon today as part of the “Pinay in action” program. (JGA)
