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19th CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO._______ 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It is the declared policy of the State that it shall protect and promote the right to health of 
the people and instill health consciousness among them. This Act seeks to inaugurate a 
vital initiative aimed at enhancing the health and welfare of children and supporting 
mothers within the city of Calamba, Laguna. The establishment of a breastmilk bank is not 
merely a facility, it is envisioned as a cornerstone of community health and empowerment, 
reflecting our collective dedication to the well-being of the next generation and the support 
of motherhood. 
Breastmilk is universally acknowledged as the paramount source of nutrition for infants, 
offering a comprehensive composition of nutrients, antibodies, and hormones vital for the 
optimal development and health of newborns. Despite the known benefits, numerous 
mothers encounter difficulties in breastfeeding due to a range of medical and socio-
economic factors. This initiative is designed to bridge that gap, ensuring that no infant is 
deprived of the benefits of breastmilk, while also providing crucial support and education 
to mothers facing breastfeeding challenges. 
The necessity for this Act is underscored by the pressing circumstances in Calamba, 
Laguna, where a significant need for donated breastmilk exists alongside a stark absence 
of local facilities capable of safely processing and pasteurizing such donations. This 
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deficiency not only hinders the potential for breastmilk donation but also jeopardizes the 
health and survival of the city's most vulnerable infants, including those who are premature, 
ill, orphaned, or rescued. 
The establishment of a breastmilk bank in Calamba addresses these critical issues head-on 
by facilitating the collection, screening, processing, and distribution of donated breastmilk. 
It aims to provide a sustainable and efficient solution to the challenges currently faced, 
ensuring that infants in need receive the nourishment essential for their growth and 
development. Furthermore, by serving as a center for breastfeeding support and education, 
the initiative also empowers mothers with the knowledge and resources necessary for 
successful breastfeeding, thereby promoting improved maternal and child health outcomes. 
Let this initiative reflect our commitment to health, equality, and empowerment. By 
supporting the establishment of a breastmilk bank in Calamba, Laguna, we take a 
significant step towards building a healthier, stronger, and more nurturing future for our 
community. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
CHARISSE ANNE C. HERNANDEZ 
Lone District, Calamba City 


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19th CONGRESS 
Second Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO._______ 
Introduced by Hon. Charisse Anne Hernandez 
Lone District of Calamba, Laguna 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING BREASTMILK COLLECTION, PASTEURIZATION 
AND STORAGE FACILITY IN THE CITY OF CALAMBA, PROVINCE OF 
LAGUNA, TO BE KNOWN AS CALAMBA CITY BREASTMILK BANK AND 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. Declaration of State Policy - This state policy is founded on the principles of 
public health, child welfare, and maternal support, aiming to ensure that all infants, 
regardless of their circumstances, have access to the life-sustaining benefits of breastmilk. 
The policy recognizes the critical role of breastmilk in preventing infant mortality and 
morbidity, promoting long-term health, and fostering a strong bond between mother and 
child. 
Section 2. Objectives -  the following are the objectives of this act: 
1. Ensuring Infant Nutrition: Provide a reliable source of safe and nutritious breastmilk
to infants who are unable to be breastfed directly due to health issues, absence of
the mother, or other compelling reasons.
2. Supporting Mothers: Offer comprehensive support services to breastfeeding
mothers, including education, counseling, and assistance, to overcome challenges
in breastfeeding and encourage the donation of breastmilk.
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3. Facilitating Breastmilk Donation: Establish a structured and efficient system for the
collection, screening, processing, pasteurization, and distribution of donated
breastmilk, adhering to the highest standards of safety and quality.
4. Promoting Public Awareness: Advocate for the importance of breastfeeding and
breastmilk donation through education and awareness campaigns, targeting both the
general public and healthcare professionals.
5. Enhancing Community Health: Collaborate with healthcare institutions, non-
governmental organizations, and community groups to strengthen the support
network for breastfeeding mothers and ensure the optimal health and development
of infants.
Section 3. Establishment of Calamba Breastmilk Bank. - There shall be established in the 
City of Calamba, Province of Laguna, a breastmilk collection, pasteurization and storage 
facility to be known as the Calamba Breastmilk Bank, which shall be under the direction 
and supervision of the City Government of LGU. 
Section 4. Funding of Calamba Breastmilk Bank. - The City Government of LGU shall 
immediately include in the City’s program, the establishment, operation and maintenance 
of the Calamba Breastmilk Bank, the initial funding of which shall be charged against the 
current year’s appropriations of the City Government of LGU.  
Section 5. Rules and Regulations. – Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this 
Act, the Secretary of Health, following comprehensive consultations with health 
professionals from both the public and private sectors, including the City Health Office of 
Calamba, the City Nutrition Office of Calamba, and the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development, shall develop and promulgate the rules and regulation for the effective 
implementation of this Act. 
Section 6. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved.