Manolo Fortich promotes breastfeeding, welfare of mothers and children in 5th AMUMOM celebration

The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich strengthened its advocacy for breastfeeding, maternal health, and child nutrition during the 5th AMUMOM Breastfeeding Awareness Month celebration on August 26, 2026, featuring breastfeeding education, a simultaneous latch-on, recognition of advocates and establishments, and the continued promotion of breastfeeding-friendly spaces across the municipality.

TANKULAN, Manolo Fortich – The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich successfully culminated its 5th AMUMOM Breastfeeding Awareness Month celebration at the TSDC Building on August 26, 2026, reinforcing its commitment to breastfeeding, maternal health, and child nutrition.

The celebration highlighted breastfeeding as an important foundation for proper nutrition and healthy child development while recognizing the vital role of lactating mothers in nurturing their children.

Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Rikkie Mae Lucero said the activity aimed to empower breastfeeding mothers and emphasize the important role they play in their children’s growth and well-being.

“Importante kaayo ni siya kay atong gina-empower ang mga lactating mothers ug gatagaan nato sila og importansiya kay sila gyud ang kanunay nga gaamuma sa atong mga bata,” Lucero said.

She noted that Manolo Fortich has an established Municipal Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Task Force mandated to support lactating mothers and promote proper nutrition among infants and young children.

Lucero emphasized that breastfeeding is one of the pillars of health promotion during the first 1,000 days of a child’s life.

“Kami ang ga-support, protect sa mga inahan and ga-promote sa breastfeeding kay ang breastfeeding isa siya sa mga factor aron dili ma-malnourish ang atong mga bata sa Manolo Fortich,” she added.

Mothers join simultaneous latch-on

One of the highlights of the culmination program was the simultaneous latch-on, where participating mothers breastfed their children together to promote proper breastfeeding practices and raise awareness of the importance of creating a supportive environment for nursing mothers.

Rhiza Mae Macalos, Manolo Fortich Chapter representative of the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, shared her breastfeeding journey and encouraged mothers to continue the practice as a way of helping strengthen their infants’ immune systems while fostering a closer bond between mother and child.

The activity also served as a visible expression of solidarity among mothers and breastfeeding advocates in the municipality.

Breastfeeding myths and basics discussed

As part of the program, Dr. Lorelei Chan Mabilin, Medical Officer IV of Northern Mindanao Medical Center, served as the resource speaker for the session entitled “Latch Right, Feed Right: Myths, Facts, and Breastfeeding Basics.”

The discussion tackled common misconceptions about breastfeeding, proper breastfeeding practices, and the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child.

Breastfeeding advocates and stakeholders recognized

The LGU also recognized individuals, barangays, establishments, and breastfeeding advocates for their contributions to the municipality’s breastfeeding promotion initiatives. Awards presented during the celebration included “Best Lactation Station – Private and Public Establishment Categories,” “Most Outstanding Breastfeeding On-Air Speaker,” “Most Amount of Breastmilk Donation – Barangay and Individual Categories,” and “My Breastfeeding Journey: A Reel Competition Winner.”

Certificates of recognition were likewise awarded to stakeholders who have continuously supported breastfeeding advocacy and related programs in Manolo Fortich.

More breastfeeding stations established across town

Aside from the culmination activity, the Municipal Nutrition Action Office (MNAO) continues to inspect facilities and establishments with designated breastfeeding or lactation stations as part of the annual observance.

According to Lucero, more than 30 breastfeeding stations have already been established in public spaces through the support and coordination of the LGU and barangays. Eleven private establishments have also participated in the advocacy by providing lactation stations in their respective facilities. These areas provide nursing mothers with private, clean, sanitary, and appropriate spaces where they can breastfeed, express breast milk, and safely store it.

The initiative supports the implementation of Republic Act No. 10028, or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, which promotes breastfeeding-friendly workplaces and requires the establishment of lactation stations in covered institutions and establishments.

Breastfeeding advocacy supports LGU health agenda

Through the 5th AMUMOM celebration and its continuing breastfeeding programs, the LGU-Manolo Fortich strengthens its efforts to build a community where mothers receive adequate support and children are given a healthier start in life.

“Importante gyud nga mapadayon nato kani nga programa nga Amumom kay aron m apanalipdan nato ang health sa mga bata ug sa inahan kay sayod kita nga daghan ang benepisyo gumikan sa exclusive breastfeeding,” said Coun. Joy Cordovez, Committee Chair on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

The initiative forms part of the municipality’s continuing efforts to improve health and nutrition, in line with the second point of Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño’s 8-Point Agenda, which focuses on health and well-being.