NURTURING INFANTS: 17.7 LITERS OF BREAST MILK DONATED IN MANOLO FORTICH

Human Milk Drive participated by 83 breastfeeding mothers across the municipality

In its ongoing effort to support women and mothers, the Manolo Fortich Women’s Federation (MFWF) organized its annual Human Milk Drive, inviting breastfeeding mothers from across Manolo Fortich to donate breast milk for a meaningful cause—nurturing infants and children in need.

This initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Manolo Fortich through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO), is a key event in the municipality’s International Women’s Month Celebration held every March. This year’s Human Milk Drive took place on March 19, 2025, at the Technical Skills and Development Center in Norminco Compound, Barangay Tankulan, bringing together mothers from various barangays to contribute to the cause.

According to Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño, Manolo Fortich remains the only municipality in Region 10 with a sustainable and successful Human Milk Drive since its launch in 2021. MFWF President Nena B. Vallecera warmly welcomed all participants and expressed her gratitude to the donors. "Kini nga proyekto usa ka dako nga tabang sa atong komunidad. Pinaagi niini, mas daghan pang mga inahan ang matabangan, labi na kadtong dili maka-produce og gatas alang sa ilang mga anak. Importante kini alang sa mga bata nga nawadaan og inahan aron mapadayon ang ilang maayong kahimsog,"states Vallecera.

A total of 83 breastfeeding mothers participated in the Milk Drive, donating 17.7 liters of breast milk. As a token of appreciation, each donor received 5 kilograms of rice and a bowl of Arroz Caldo prepared by the MFWF.

The Municipal Nutrition Office (MNO), led by Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Rikkie Mae B. Lucero, assisted mothers in using electric breast pumps at designated breastfeeding stations. One of the proud donors, Angiele R. Verde, a 36-year-old mother of three from Zone 2, Barangay Sto. Niño,expressed her appreciation for the program. "Dako namong pasalamat nga adunay ingun ani nga programa. Isip usa ka Barangay Nutrition Scholar, nasabtan nako kung unsa ka importante ang gatas sa inahan alang sa nutrisyon sa bata. Labaw sa tanan, nalipay ko nga nakatabang ko sa ubang inahan ug ilang mga anak," says Verde.

The donated 17.7 liters of breast milk will be stored at the Manolo Fortich Human Milk Hub in Calanawan, Barangay Tankulan, managed by the MNO under the LGU. The Milk Hub provides free breast milk to infants and young children in need, ensuring they receive proper nutrition. Beneficiaries can claim breast milk after undergoing a required evaluation by the MNO. Beyond providing nourishment for infants, the Human Milk Drive fosters a supportive community for breastfeeding mothers. It offers a space for them to connect, share experiences, and support one another, ensuring that no mother or child is left behind. With its continued success, Manolo Fortich remains a leader in maternal and child health advocacy, setting an example for other communities in promoting the importance of breastfeeding and maternal support.