05 DEC 2012
3

PH
Republic of the Philippines “Pep

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

15" Congress
3° Regular Session
6742

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Maria Evita R. Arago

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

Breastfeeding brings significant benefits for both infants and mothers. It provides
very nutritious elements and antibodies that would help babies fight diseases, help them
grow and protect them. Breastfeeding benefits mothers by helping them in their health
and likewise have economic benefits.

This bill seeks for the establishment of breastfeeding centers in every barangay
that would provide the necessary information, support and equipment that would help
lactating mothers and their infants.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

MARIAJEVITA R. ARAGO
3° District
Laguna


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
Republic of the Philippines )
Third Regular Session
House of Representatives

H.B. No. 6742

Introduced by Representative Maria Evita R. Arago

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING A BREASTFEEDING CENTER IN EVERY BARANGAY
THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1 Short Title. This Act shall be known as the ‘Barangay
Breastfeeding Centers Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote the
general welfare of the people. Pursuant to this policy, it shall promote breastfeeding as
a means to provide protection against major illnesses in children such as respiratory
infections, diarrhea and malnutrition. The State shall likewise promote breastfeeding as
a means to ensure material health by protecting against haemorrhage, anemia, certain
forms of cancer as well as facilitating the recovery of mothers from the rigors of
pregnancy and birth.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — For purposes of this Act, the term:

(A) “Breastfeeding” mean feeding of the child directly from the breast or the
expression on milk from the breast of a lactating woman;

(B) “Barangay breastfeeding centers" means breastfeeding centers situated in every
barangay which provide breastfeeding services such as information on proper
breastfeeding method and proper use of breastfeeding materials;

(C) "Barangay breastfeeding personnel” authorized health workers assigned by the
municipal health office to supervise the healthcare facilities in each barangay;
and

(D)"Breastfeeding materials” means materials used to aid lactating mothers in
breastfeeding which include medicines, vitamins, breast pumps and other useful
paraphernalia; materials shall also include breastfeeding milk supplements to be
supplied by the barangay breastfeeding centers.

SECTION 4. Establishment of Barangay Breastfeeding Centers. — If the
barangay health center in a particular barangay already has sufficient space and
equipment to facilitate the barangay breastfeeding program, the barangay
breastfeeding center shall be integrated within the barangay health center. If the
barangay health center is not sufficiently equipped to facilitate the breastfeeding
centers, a separate breastfeeding center shall be built.


SECTION 5. Campaign Regarding Breastfeeding and Its Importance to the
Health of Infants and Mothers. — The barangay breastfeeding personnel shall also
conduct periodical campaigns involving information dissemination on the importance of
breastfeeding for the health of mothers and infants.

SECTION 6. Breastfeeding Equipment and Supplements. - Constituents of every
barangay shall avail of the services and facilities of barangay breastfeeding centers for
free. No payment in any form shall be accepted by the personnel of the breastfeeding
centers. They shall however, be allowed to receive donations in the form of
breastfeeding materials and supplements.

SECTION 7. Who are Entitled to Avail of the Services and Facilities of
Breastfeeding Centers. - All residents of the respective barangays shall be entitled to
avail of the services of the barangay breastfeeding centers

SECTION 8. Funding for Barangay Breastfeeding Centers. — The funds to be
used for the barangay breastfeeding centers shall be allocated from the budget of the
respective local government units. The respective barangay councils shall also allocate
budget for the breastfeeding centers from the budget of their respective barangays.

SECTION 9. Monitoring and Inspection of Barangay Breastfeeding Centers. -—
The municipal or city health office having jurisdiction over the respective barangay shall
monitor and inspect the services and facilities of every barangay breastfeeding center at
least once every month. The municipal/city health office shall ensure that every
breastfeeding center has sufficient equipment and are able to efficiently service the
needs of constituents.

SECTION 10. Trainings and Seminars. — The barangay breastfeeding personnel
should undergo training and seminars at least once every six months.

SECTION 11. Implementing Agencies. — The Department of Health (DOH),
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) shall formulate the necessary
implementing rules and regulations for this Act within sixty (60) days upon its effectivity.

SECTION 14. Repealing Clause. Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to.
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended
accordingly

SECTION 15. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15 ) days
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official
Gazette.

Approved.