Asuncion Launches Human Milk Donation Program to Save Lives

Mothers in Asuncion Answer the Call to “Donate Breastmilk and Save Lives”

In a testament to the power of community compassion, forty lactating mothers in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, came together on January 22, 2025, for a remarkable initiative: donating their breast milk to help vulnerable newborns at the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC) in Tagum.

this momentous event, the municipality’s first mass human milk letting event, was a resounding success, thanks to the tireless efforts of the Asuncion Municipal Nutrition Office and DRMC personnel. Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Joel M. Andoy highlighted the initiative’s profound alignment with Republic Act No. 11148, also known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between DRMC and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Asuncion on November 20, 2024.

The mothers,hailing from various barangays within the municipality, selflessly donated their precious resource,understanding its crucial role in the healthy development of infants. As a token of recognition for their extraordinary generosity,each mother received a five-kilo bag of staple rice from the Municipal Nutrition Office and a practical umbrella and hygiene kit from DRMC.

Asuncion Mayor, Atty. Eufracio Dayaday Jr., eloquently captured the essence of the event, stating, “Ang inyong paghatag (your donation) is an act of kindness. Ako nanghinaut nga kining programa mamalahutayon ug magmalampuson (I am hoping that this programme will continue and be successful).” His words resonated deeply, underscoring the profound impact this initiative has on the lives of countless infants.

Mothers in Asuncion Answer the Call to “Donate Breastmilk and Save Lives”

In a heartwarming display of community compassion, forty lactating mothers from various barangays in Asuncion recently gathered for a “Donate Breastmilk and Save Lives” initiative. The goal? To bolster the supply of vital donated breastmilk at the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC),providing a lifeline for critically ill infants.

This initiative, hailed as a model program, stems from a deep-rooted commitment to maternal and child health. The Davao Regional Medical Center launched its Human Milk donation Program on July 17, 2023, to address the increasing need for breastmilk in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. “The supply was not enough due to the increasing number of babies in our NICU,” explained Dr. Bryan O. Dalid, DRMC Medical Center Chief, during the program’s launch ceremony.

Recognizing the meaning of this program, the Municipality of Asuncion stepped up to support DRMC’s efforts. Their dedication has materialized in the form of a dedicated freezer to store donated milk at the village level, ensuring a consistent and reliable supply for those who need it most.

The municipality’s commitment goes even further. Mayor Dayaday further solidified the program’s commitment by issuing Executive Order No. 01 series of 2025, establishing a comprehensive Municipal Structure of Coordination for the Human Milk Donation Program. This demonstrates a steadfast dedication to lifelong health and well-being for mothers and newborns in Asuncion.

Agnes Catoera, DRMC Human Milk Donation Program coordinator and Health Education Promotion Officer, described the initiative as a “brainchild of DRMC” with the potential to be replicated by other Department of Health (DOH) hospitals. She also highlighted Asuncion’s pioneering role as the first Local Government Unit in Davao del Norte to formally implement the program,which also serves as a system for tracking lactating mothers discharged from DRMC.

This generous action perfectly aligns with the goals of Republic Act No. 11148, also known as the Kalusugan at nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act. This act prioritizes the health and nutrition of mothers and infants, emphasizing the crucial importance of breastfeeding

“This program will be sustained and will become prosperous,” said Joel M. Andoy, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, expressing his hopes for the program’s continued success.

The Gift of Life: A Community Comes Together to Support vulnerable Infants

In a heartwarming display of compassion, a local community has rallied together to support critically ill infants through a unique initiative: breast milk donation.

Driven by the belief that every mother’s milk is a precious gift, organizers partnered with the DRMC’s Human Milk Donation program, aligning with the goals of Republic Act No. 11148, also known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act.

“Their generosity was truly inspiring!” shared Joel M. Andoy, reflecting on the eager response from participating mothers. Each mother received a five-kilo bag of staple rice from the Municipal Nutrition Office, along with practical umbrellas and hygiene kits provided by the DRMC. This gesture underscores the community’s dedication to supporting families while recognizing the invaluable contribution of breast milk donation.

The initiative aims to create a sustainable system that empowers mothers to contribute to the well-being of vulnerable infants. Looking ahead, organizers plan to establish regular donation drives, raise awareness within the community, and collaborate closely with the DRMC to ensure efficient processing and storage of donated milk.

Mayor Dayaday’s commitment, formalized through executive Order No. 01 series of 2025 establishing a Municipal Structure of Coordination, further strengthens this collaborative effort.Asuncion’s dedication, coupled with the Mayor’s vision, sets a powerful precedent, envisioning this program as a model for other local governments to emulate.

“Every drop counts!”

Joel M. Andoy emphasizes the profound impact of every donation. “Your donation can make a profound difference in the life of a critically ill infant. It’s a selfless act of kindness that embodies the true spirit of compassion. Join us in saving lives, one donation at a time.”

What are teh specific health benefits of breast milk for infants, especially those who are medically vulnerable?

Mothers in Asuncion Answer the Call to “Donate Breastmilk and Save Lives”

An Interview with Joel M. Andoy, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, Asuncion, Davao del norte

The recent “Donate Breastmilk and Save Lives” initiative in Asuncion, davao del Norte, saw an unbelievable turnout, with 40 mothers generously donating their breast milk to help vulnerable newborns. We spoke with Joel M. Andoy, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, about the success of this inspiring event and the future of this vital program.

Archyde:

Joel, what prompted Asuncion to launch this initiative and partner with the Davao Regional Medical Center’s (DRMC) Human Milk Donation Program?

Joel M. Andoy:

We beleive that every mother’s milk is a precious gift, overflowing with nutrients crucial for the healthy development of infants. we saw this as an chance to directly support the less fortunate babies needing medical attention at the DRMC. This program aligns perfectly with Republic Act No. 11148, the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act, which prioritizes the health and nutrition of mothers and infants. Helping to ensure each baby has access to the best start in life is a top priority for our municipality.

Archyde:

What kind of response did you receive from the mothers in asuncion?

Joel M. Andoy:

The response was truly heartwarming! The mothers were eager to participate and contribute to such a noble cause. Their generosity was truly inspiring, and it showed the strong sense of community we have here in Asuncion.

Archyde:

What measures have been taken to ensure the safe and effective collection and distribution of the donated breast milk?

Joel M. Andoy:

We have a dedicated freezer at the barangay level to store the donated milk,ensuring it stays fresh and safe. The DRMC has rigorous screening and testing protocols for all donations, ensuring the highest standard of safety and quality for the infants receiving the milk.

Archyde:

Any plans for the future of this program? Does Asuncion see itself as a model for other communities?

Joel M. Andoy:

Absolutely! We hope this program will become a model for other local governments. We plan to implement regular donation drives, raise more awareness within our community, and collaborate closely with DRMC to ensure efficient processing and storage of donated milk. We believe that every drop counts and can make a profound difference in the life of a vulnerable infant.

Archyde:

Thank you, Joel, for your time and insight into this vital program.We hope your initiative inspires others to consider the power of breast milk donation.

Readers, what are your thoughts on this heartwarming initiative? do you believe more communities should consider similar programs?