Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

NINETE 'H CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4863

Introduced by

Maria Jamina Katherine B. Agarao
Representative

Fourth District, Laguna

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE LAGUNA HUMAN MILK BANK, PROVIDING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to a report of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United
Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), only 34% of children
under six months in the Philippines are exclusively breastfed. That means 66% of
infants are denied the great benefits of breastfeeding.

According to international researches:

1. Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for most babies. - As the baby grows,
the mother’s breast milk will change to meet her baby’s nutritional needs.

2. Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term
illnesses and diseases. - Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity,
type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are
also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

3. Breast milk shares antibodies from the mother with her baby. - These
antibodies help babies develop a strong immune system and protect them from
illnesses.

4. Mothers can breastfeed anytime and anywhere. - Mothers can feed their babies
on the go without worrying about having to mix formula or prepare bottles.
When traveling, breastfeeding can also provide a source of comfort for babies
whose normal routine is disrupted.

5. Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2
diabetes, and high blood pressure. -- Breastfeeding has health benefits for the
mother too! Some cancers, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure are less
common among women who breastfeed.


Both the WHO and UNICEF have recommended exclusive breastfeeding for every
child’s first 6 months for optimal growth, development and health, and then
continuing breastfeeding while introducing nutritious complementary foods until a
child is 24 months old or even beyond."

Towards this objective, the establishment of human milk banks is a step in the right
direction. Hence, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested,

4 atherine B. Agarao
Reyfesei z

Folirth District, Laguna



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4 8 6: 3

Tniroduced by
Maria Jamina Katherine B, Agarao
Representative
Fourth District, Laguna

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE LAGUNA HUMAN MILK BANK, PROVIDING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER RELATED PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE LAGUNA HUMAN MILK BANK. — The
Laguna Human Milk Bank is hereby established at the Laguna Provincial Hospital,
Municipality of Santa Cruz, Province of Laguna.

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. - It shall be the policy of the state to
promote and advance the health of women and children by providing for their basic
needs. and by promoting and supporting breastfeeding as the natural way of providing
infants with the nutrients for healthy growth and development.

SECTION 3. PERSONNEL. ~The Laguna Human Milk Bank shall have the necessary
personnel as indicated in the Philippine Human Milk Banking (Manual of
Operations)" including a Milk Bank Head, Milk Bank Coordinator, Lactation
Counselors, Designated Personnel and Administrative Clerks.

SECTION 4. FUNDING. - The budget required for the effective implementation of
this Act shall be included in the budget of the DOH in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 5. IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. - To ensure active and
efficient implementation, the Department of Health shall, within sixty (60) days after
the effectivity of this law, formulate the necessary Implementing Rules and
Regulations including the Guidelines for Donors and Beneficiaries, and Education and

UIDELINES June 29 Meeti ed 2 (1).pdf (humanitarianr



Promotion Plan to popularize breastfeeding and its advantages and to recruit donors
as well as private partners and sponsors.

SECTION 6. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. — If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 7. REPEALING CLAUSE. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations, and other issuances, or parts thereof which are
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 8. EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

following its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,