THE Department of Health – National Capital Region (DOH) on Tuesday formally recognized the House of Representatives (HRep) as a mother-baby friendly institution in an awarding ceremony held at the Women Legislators’ Lounge, HRep Complex, Quezon City.
The House recognized the HRep following the establishment of four (4) lactation stations within the complex. DOH Undersecretary Dr. Nestor Santiago Jr. appreciated the House’s profound awareness of the importance of a supportive workplace to women and their babies.
The HRep Gender and Development – Focal Point System (GAD-FPS) spearheaded this endeavor, reflecting the House’s commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment that provides comprehensive support and empowerment for working mothers.
Committee on the Welfare of Children Chairperson and BHW Party-list Rep. Angelica Natasha Co received the DOH award on behalf of TINGOG Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez. She congratulated everyone involved for their efforts that earned the HRep the DOH distinction.
Rep. Romualdez dedicated the award to all mothers, especially lactating mothers. “I and my fellow legislators can rest assured that our facilities provide working women, mothers in particular, with safe and sound working conditions that are conducive to our maternal functions, such as breastfeeding,” she said.
House Secretary General and GAD-FPS Chairperson Reginald Velasco said it is also imperative to consider the specific needs of specific sectors when it comes to employees’ welfare. Thus, he signed HRep Memorandum Circular 19-6363 on August 31, 2023 to emphasize the importance of lactation facilities, capacity-building programs, and breastfeeding support systems. He also issued a memo enabling employee participation at training programs and appointing the House Medical and Dental Service (MDS) to oversee the lactation stations.
GAD-FPS Co-Chairperson and Legal Affairs Department (LAD) Deputy Secretary General (DSG) Atty. Annalou Nachura thanked Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and TINGOG Party-list Rep. Yedda Marie Romualdez for their genuine commitment to providing safe and helpful working conditions for working mothers.
Also present were House Committee on Health Chairperson and Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr., KALINGA Party-list Rep. Irene Gay Saulog, Camarines Norte Rep. Josephine Tallado, Lapu lapu City Rep. Ma. Cynthia Chan and Cebu City Rep. Rachel Marguerite Del Mar, members of the Congressional Spouses Foundation Inc., as well as House Secretariat Officials.
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