SOME 80,000 cloth and disposable diapers have been distributed to lactating mothers as part of the humanitarian assistance to families displaced by the ongoing fighting in Marawi City.
The donors of the diapers are the various line agencies in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) and private individuals from Metro Manila and Cotabato City.
The recipients are nursing mothers currently sheltered in evacuation centers, as well as those staying with their relatives.
Armm's Cabinet Secretary Khal Mambuay-Campong said the campaign to donate diapers for nursing mothers started on May 23, the day when the fighting broke out in Marawi City.
"As part of the Armm's Crisis Management Committee, and as a mother, ito yung naisip namin na ibigay dahil gusto namin matulungan yung mga parents na hirap maghanap ng diapers for their babies dahil walang mabilihan," Campong said.
She reiterated how important the diapers are to keep the babies clean, dry and healthy.
She said the fifth batch of diapers was distributed on Monday, July 10, in evacuation centers in Lanao del Sur.
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding Jr., Armm's health department secretary, said diapers are a better alternative, as "parents will have to focus now on more important things while sanitary disposal is afforded for their children."
The Armm continues to send relief packs, hygiene kits and medical services to the affected residents in Marawi City. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)