Breastfeeding Mania in Manila - Aug. 31, 2007 (posted Sept. 2007)

The end of the Breastfeeding Month earmarked the beginning of the Breastfeeding Campaign of GABRIELA - Manila Chapter, a women's mass organization and the Association for the Rights of Children in Southeast Asia (ARCSEA). The campaign is aptly themed "Pagpapasuso mo kay bunso, Inay, tiyak na walang makakapantay!" ("Breastfeeding your baby, Mom, is incomparable")

150 mothers, children and fathers from 5 Baranggays in Pandacan, Manila, namely Baranggays 843, 849, 850, 853 and 868,joined the kick-off parade. The parade supporting the breastfeeding campaign roved around the streets of Dapo, Ilang Ilang and along Qurino Highway. The group also encouraged other mothers from the community to join them while distributing fliers on breastfeeding and their future activities.

A programme proper followed with guests from Manila City Hall, Manila Health Department and the Baranggay Health center. The importance of breastfeeding and breaking breastfeeding myths were shared by Sophia Flor Garduce, ARCSEA's Executive Director.

The Secretary General of GABRIELA-Manila, Myra Teves, discussed the multi-national milk companies" marketing strategy of "brainwashing" the poor and underprivileged families that formula milk is the best option for their babies. The mothers from the poor communities struggle each day just to be able to buy expensive formula milk instead of breastfeeding at no cost.

The activity was well supported by some councilors of the 6th District of the City of Manila as well as Bgy. 849 officials. Bgy. 849 Chairman Roberto Santos welcomed the guests while the Councilors showed support through lending a sound system, chairs and snacks for the participants.

Through the speeches, as well as the fliers that were distributed, the community members learned that breastfeeding, aside from being the best way to nurture their babies, is a manifestation of an utmost concern for the right of a child to survival.

A walk for breastfeeding: Community women took the streets and roads of the City of Manila to campaign for breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding Launching Program: ARCSEA's Executive Director Ms. Sophia Flor Garduce (Standing 5th from right), GABRIELA Manila's Secretary General Ms. Myra Teves (beside Ms. Garduce) and Honorable guests pose with the breastfeeding mothers of Pandacan, Manila.