A Mommy Forum for a Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines

Mommies unite for an afternoon to support and promote breastfeeding

Breastfeeding may be considered a challenging phase of motherhood but the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies truly make the journey worthwhile. While more and more mothers recognize that breastmilk will always be superior compared to formula milk, there is still a need to spread awareness on its benefits and to encourage people to support breastfeeding.

 In response to the global campaign of protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding, World Vision Development Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Health, launched Mother-Baby Friendly Philippines. This two-year project aims to:

1. Support and strengthen the implementation of Executive Order 51 (The Philippine Milk Code of 1986), Republic Act 7600 (The Rooming-ln and Breastfeeding Act of 1992), and Republic Act 10028 (The Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009)

2. Increase awareness and educate health professionals and the public regarding these laws

3. Encourage people to promote, protect, and support breastfeeding by involving them in monitoring the implementation of breastfeeding laws in the country

Carleneth F. San Valentin, Health and Nutrition Technical Programme Manager of World Vision Development Foundation, beIieves that encouraging mothers to nurture their child is a way to empower a mother’s ability to breastfeed and care for their child. ”We are here to educate mothers so that they are empowered to make the right choice in nurturing and caring for their child. We want them to realize that if these laws are not implemented, we are impinging on their rights and of their child‘s,” she shared.

According to Dr. Anthony P. Calibo of the Department of Health, this responsibility to uphold the breastfeeding rights of mothers is not just the responsibility of concerned organizations and government sectors; it is a responsibility of the general public. ”If a mother is investing herself for the betterment of the future of her child, then she is also investing in the betterment of the future of this country," he emphasized.

To stay true to their mission and vision for this project, the team conducted Mommy Forum: Mother~Baby Friendly Philippines last October 2, 2018 at Little Owl in New Manila. #MBFPH was graced by mom celebrities like Camille Prats Yambao, Jennica Garcia Uytingco and Erika Padilla.

Erika Padilla, World Vision Breastfeeding Ambassador, shared her breastfeeding journey. “It is a huge sacrifice. it is difficult, painful, and a lot of work. But definitely worth every single drop because I see my son getting stronger and healthier every day,” she recalled. Her story encouraged more moms to share and ask for more tips from Erika as well.

Rommel Fuerte, Executive Director of World Vision Development Foundation, reminds long-time moms and new moms the reason behind this gathering: the breastfeeding normalization is still a work in progress and it's a must to constantly promote and protect breastfeeding to empower moms and to ensure a healthy start for their children.

To know how you can support Mother-Baby Friendly Phllipplnes, log on to http://mbfps.doh.gov.ph/ or dowload MBF PH via Google Play or Apple Store.

#LetTheRiverRest Campaign in Palawan by isDaRevolution

This July 1, a bus full of artists & filmmakers will close the Puerto Princesa Underground River for three days. During those days, they will try to sell 3,600 passes to the river by driving from North to South of Mainland Palawan and continously upload videos of performances at stopovers and collaborations with the locals on Instagram to encourage buyers and Palawenyos to join the #PositiveValues Instagram video contest that can make them win US$3600 worth of Palawan adventure or Php360,000 film grant.
With a purchase of US$30 or Php1500 and not going to the river, one not only becomes a lifetime member of www.Facebook.com/isDaRevolutionPhilippines and be eligible to participate in all future events and contests of the organization but will also be able to sponsor one Palawan artist to the organization. (US$10 or Php500 only for Palawan residents until July 3.)

This is the #LetTheRiverRest Int'l Film Festival & New Media Convergence 2016. A project on PerCent Integrated Marketing Communications through its IsDa Revolution (Indie Support and Development Advocacy) Project in cooperation with CasaNieves.tv, The Palawan Heritage Center, WhenInManila.com, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development & the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River & National Park.
This years proceeds will be used as seed money to build the FilipiNow Theater, a state-of-the-art theater by the Underground River that will exclusively screen content and exhibit works produced by the members of IsDa Revolution.

#LetTheRiverRest Campaign in Palawan by isDaRevolution

This July 1, a bus full of artists & filmmakers will close the Puerto Princesa Underground River for three days. During those days, they will try to sell 3,600 passes to the river by driving from North to South of Mainland Palawan and continously upload videos of performances at stopovers and collaborations with the locals on Instagram to encourage buyers and Palawenyos to join the #PositiveValues Instagram video contest that can make them win US$3600 worth of Palawan adventure or Php360,000 film grant.
With a purchase of US$30 or Php1500 and not going to the river, one not only becomes a lifetime member of www.Facebook.com/isDaRevolutionPhilippines and be eligible to participate in all future events and contests of the organization but will also be able to sponsor one Palawan artist to the organization. (US$10 or Php500 only for Palawan residents until July 3.)

This is the #LetTheRiverRest Int'l Film Festival & New Media Convergence 2016. A project on PerCent Integrated Marketing Communications through its IsDa Revolution (Indie Support and Development Advocacy) Project in cooperation with CasaNieves.tv, The Palawan Heritage Center, WhenInManila.com, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development & the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River & National Park.
This years proceeds will be used as seed money to build the FilipiNow Theater, a state-of-the-art theater by the Underground River that will exclusively screen content and exhibit works produced by the members of IsDa Revolution.