ASIDE from working mothers getting more leaves, the Department of Health (DOH) said their newborns and infants are also set to benefit from the newly-signed Expanded Maternity Leave (EML) law.

In a statement, DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said babies also stand to gain from their mothers having more time to spend with them than at work.

“When the first 1,000 days of life of an infant are ensured through proper health and nutrition interventions, far-reaching effects occur on children’s ability to grow and learn, thus giving them a fighting chance at rising out of poverty,” said Duque.

These interventions, he noted, include exclusive breastfeeding continued with nutritious and sustainable complementary feeding, compliance to vaccination schedules, and micronutrient supplementation.

Duque also said that it also gives infants more opportunities for cognitive stimulation to develop language and motor skills from birth.

Last month, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act 11210 or the EML Act.

Under the EML Act, working mothers are provided with 105 days (with additional 15 days for single mothers) of maternity leaves.

"This is another noteworthy addition to the series of legislations that protect, promote, and support the health and nutrition of the Filipino family," said Duque. (HDT/SunStar Philippines)