Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Cordillera Administrative Region
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF KALINGA

POLICY AND PROCEDURES RELATED TO BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION AND SUPPORT

Title: Breastfeeding Promotion and Support

Policy: Based on the provision of RA 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Act of 2009 and
Executive Order 31 or the Milk Code, the Schools Division Office of Kalinga,
through the initiative of the School Health Unit promotes and encourages
breastfeeding/expressing their breast milk among lactating women who are
employees or clients/visitors.

Procedure:
1. SDO-Kalinga acknowledge that breastfeeding has distinct advantages which benefit the infant and
the mother, including the office that adopts its practice. It is the first preventive health measure
that can be given to the child at birth and enhances mother-infant relationship.
Breastmilk is the best food since it contains essential nutrients completely suitable for the infant’s
needs. It is also nature’s first immunization, enabling the infant to fight potential serious
infection. It contains growth factors that enhance the maturation of an infant’s organ systems

2. A corner at the School Health Unit is designated as the lactation area for all nursing mothers who
are employees and clients/visitors in the Division Office. The area is well-ventilated, well-lighted,
equipped with table, bed, seat, cooler and electrical outlet for possible electronic breast pump.
There is an easy-accessible lavatory and a comfort room with adequate water supply which can
be accessed by mothers nearby.

3. All nursing employees shall be granted break intervals in addition to the regular time-off for
meals to breastfeed or express milk. These intervals, which shall include the time it takes an
employee to get to and from the workplace lactation station, shall be counted as compensable
worked hours and such interval shall not be less than a total of forty (40) minutes for every eight
(8)-hour working period to fulfill their motherhood responsibility on breastfeeding their infants or
may express breast milk for refrigeration then bring it home at dismissal time if actual
breastfeeding activity is not feasible.
In addition, having 2-3breaks to have breastmilk expressions lasting to 15-30minutes each within
a workday is permitted

4. The School Health Unit personnel will orient all Division Office personnel on breastfeeding
specifically on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, proper positioning and attachment,
management of common lactation concerns, procedure of expressing breastmilk, collection,
handling, storage and cup feeding.

5. Orientation can be conducted during the Women’s Month Celebration every last Monday of the
month of March and it can be emphasized during flag raising ceremonies in the months of July
and August which is the nutrition month and breastfeeding month, respectively. Orientation on

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Address: Kalinga Sports Complex, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga

E-mail: kalinga@deped.gov.ph
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Cordillera Administrative Region
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF KALINGA

the use of the lactation room will also be included. Such activities shall be properly documented
and attendance of employees shall be secured.

6. Employees who will be availing of the lactation breaks shall notify their immediate supervisor
before leaving their stations. Clients/Visitors who wish to breastfeed too should be oriented and
be ushered to the lactation area. Presence of lactation area should be announced in every activity
in the Division Office in case nursing mothers need to avail it.

7. Milk donations are prohibited. Donations of breastmilk substitutes, including infant formula;
other milk products, foods and beverages, including bottle-fed complementary foods, feeding
bottles and teats are not allowed.

Prepared by:

MA VERONICA B. CALPITO, RN, MD

Head, School Health Unit

Reviewed by:

LILY ANN A. FERNANDO ALFREDO D. BUDADEN

AO V/ Admin Officer EPS-SGOD

Noted by:

BERNARDO L. GANOTICE JR.

Chief, SGOD

Approved by:

AMADOR D. GARCIA Sr., PhD, CESE

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
OIC- Office of the Schools Division Superintendent

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Address: Kalinga Sports Complex, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalinga

E-mail: kalinga@deped.gov.ph