THE Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, August 1, 2025, lamented the low number of infants being breastfed in the country despite it being the ideal food for newborns.
In a statement, the DOH said the exclusive breastfeeding rate in the country is at 50.4 percent, according to the latest National Nutrition Survey.
"Only five out of every 10 babies are exclusively breastfed and receive adequate nutrition from breast milk in their first six months," said the DOH.
The department said the numbers are no better when it came for infants six months to two years.
"The proportion of babies receiving adequate complementary feeding along with continued breastfeeding from six months to two years also remains low," said the DOH.
It cited the lack of adequate information and education on the importance of breastfeeding infants.
"The lack of knowledge and correct information is the main obstacle for many mothers in breastfeeding," said the DOH.
This is the reason why they organized the simultaneous breastfeeding activity of around 200 mothers from Taguig City in celebration of Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
"Approximately 200 mothers from Taguig City simultaneously breastfed their babies as a symbol of unity and a call for wider support for exclusive breastfeeding," said the DOH.
The event also saw the DOH distributing breastfeeding kits that contain breastfeeding covers, tumblers, and thermal bags, among others. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)