Vice President Sara Duterte called for stronger support for breastfeeding mothers, stressing that they should not have to face the challenges of breastfeeding alone, saying a mother’s love should never be a “lonely battle.”
In a message marking National Breastfeeding Awareness Month and World Breastfeeding Week, Duterte emphasized the importance of providing adequate facilities and support for mothers, particularly through lactation stations and workplace accommodations mandated under Republic Act No. 10028.
“We often praise mothers for their sacrifice, calling breastfeeding a labor of love. But a mother’s love should never be a lonely battle,” Duterte said in a video message posted on social media on Friday.
Duterte said this year’s theme, “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems,” highlights the need to go beyond simply recognizing the importance of breast milk and ensure that mothers have access to appropriate spaces and support.
“Under Republic Act No. 10028, lactation stations and workplace accommodations are not mere options—they are legal obligations,” she said.
She called on local government units, workplaces and communities to take concrete steps to create a more supportive environment for breastfeeding mothers.
“I challenge our local government units, our workplaces, and our communities to move beyond awareness,” Duterte said.
“We must build a society where a breastfeeding mother does not have to choose between her livelihood and her child’s health,” she added.
Duterte also urged stakeholders to sustain programs and initiatives that protect breastfeeding mothers, support families and promote the health of children.
“Let us strengthen what works by sustaining an environment where mothers are protected, where families are supported, and where our children are given a sustainable start in life.”
“Ang kalusugan ng ating mga sanggol at ng susunod na henerasyon ay nagsisimula sa ating pagtutulungan ngayon,” she said.
