DAVAO CITY — As the world marks breast-feeding week beginning Aug. 1, more than a thousand bus companies here are modifying seat arrangements in their units to allow mothers to breast-feed in private.
Health Assistant Secretary Paulyn B. Rosell-Ubial said the decision of bus companies to reserve second row seats, with proper cover, for breast-feeding mothers is the first in the country, and a concrete push for the campaign to wean children away from synthetic milk.
She cited the National Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 1999 which revealed that the country ranked bottom in the world in the number of mothers breast-feeding their infants. While there are no data if the government has made headway in its campaign, mini-surveys conducted by the Health department showed misconceptions about breast-feeding still exist.
"There are still misconceptions when [in fact] 99% of mothers can and should breast-feed," she said, adding that doctors should share the blame in perpetuating the misconceptions and for promoting powdered milk as an alternative.
Maryland F. Sy, president of Southern Mindanao Bus Operators Association, said 1,200 of their buses would be equipped with breast-feeding areas. The breast-feeding seats were piloted by Metro Shuttle, a major Davao bus company last year.
"So, far I received no complaint even during peak season," Ms. Sy said. She said drivers and their aides were also instructed to prioritize breast-feeding mothers similar to persons with disabilities.
"So if somebody is already sitting on the breast-feeding seats, they would have to stand up and sit somewhere else," she said.
It is but proper to give a seat to breastfeeding mothers. How can they feed their babies when they are standing.
Councilor Angela Librado-Trinidad, committee chairman for women and children, said the city government looks at breast-feeding as part of the reproductive health component of the Women Development Code of Davao City.
Data from the Local Health Support Division of the Center for Health and Development showed there are only 14 breast-feeding stations in the region, nine of which are in Davao City and five in Davao del Norte. The Davao City Overland Transport Terminal has one air-conditioned breast-feeding station that is open 24 hours. Annabel P. Yumang, officer in charge of the division, said next on their agenda is to put breast-feeding rooms in ships and ports. — J. B. Escovilla
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