FNRI-DOST now a Certified “Mother-baby friendly
Workplace”
By Marlita A. Aguilos
MANILA, Apr. 9 (PIA) - In compliance to RA 10028:
Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, the Department of Health-National
Capital Region awarded the Food and Nutrition Research Institute-Department of Science
and Technology (FNRI-DOST) the certification as “Mother-baby Friendly
Workplace” recently. The DOH certification granted is the first among the DOST
agencies. The certification is valid for two years.
Having been certified as “mother-baby friendly”
means that FNRI-DOST ensures the promotion and practice of breastfeeding by
providing healthy and safe working conditions for women through the
establishment of a lactation station or facility.
The FNRI Lactation facility was established in
2014. Efforts done to achieve the certification included the conduct of a
Breastfeeding Orientation among its employees in October 201. The orientation
was attended by close to 100 FNRI employees.
A well-lighted and clean room with comfortable
sofa equipped with the basic amenities such as a lavatory, small refrigerator,
small table, breast pumps and covered containers completed the lactation
facility. Specific measures such as provision of 40-minute break for breastfeeding
employees to express their milk and information materials on breastfeeding for
pregnant women employees is also being undertaken. These are the basic
requirements that form part of the FNRI’s
policy on breastfeeding.
Since the establishment of the lactation facility,
several clients, both in-house and outsiders, have availed of its services.
More than providing lactation service facilities, FNRI’s goal is to serve as a
model to and replicate the practice in other DOST agencies.
This achievement is a joint undertaking of the
Lifestage Nutrition Section-Nutrition Research and Development Group (LNS-NRDG)
and the Gender Focal Point System (GFPS) of FNRI-DOST.
For more information on food and nutrition,
contact: Dr. Mario V. Capanzana,
Director, Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Department of Science and
Technology, General Santos Avenue, Bicutan, Taguig City; Telephone/ Fax Nos:
837-2934 or 837-3164; Direct Line:839-1839; DOST Trunk Line: 837-2071-82 local
2296 or 2284; e-mail: mvc@fnri.dost.gov.ph or at mar_v_c@yahoo.com; FNRI-DOST
website: http://www.fnri.dost.gov.ph.
Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/FNRI.DOST or follow our Twitter
account at twitter.com/FNRI_DOST. (FNRI-DOST S&T Media Service/PIA-Caraga)
