Asuncion Leads the Way in Human Milk Donation to Save Neonatal Lives
ASUNCION, Davao del Norte — In a groundbreaking initiative, the Municipal Government of Asuncion has taken a bold step to address the critical need for human milk for neonatal babies in the region. On January 22, 2025, the municipality hosted its first-ever mass human milk letting event, aptly named “Donate Breastmilk and Save Lives,” at the Asuncion Municipal Gym.
This event, a collaboration between the Municipality of Asuncion and the Davao regional Medical Center (DRMC), saw the participation of 40 lactating mothers from barangays Buclad, New Bantayan, Cambanogoy, Magatos, Cabaywa, and Canatan. These mothers, who had previously given birth at DRMC, generously donated their milk to support babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Municipal nutrition Action Officer Joel M.Andoy emphasized that the initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11148, also known as the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act. The event was made possible through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between DRMC and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Asuncion on November 20, 2024.
To encourage participation, the Municipal Nutrition Office provided each donor with five kilos of staple rice, while DRMC distributed umbrellas and hygiene kits. However, Asuncion Municipal Mayor Atty. Eufracio Dayaday Jr. stressed that no incentive could truly match the value of the mothers’ contributions. “Ang inyong paghatag (your donation) is an act of kindness. Ako nanghinaut nga kining programa mamalahutayon ug magmalampuson (I am hoping that this program will be sustained and will become accomplished),” he saeid.
The DRMC Human Milk Donation Program,launched on July 17,2023,initially sourced milk from within the hospital. Though, due to the rising number of NICU babies, the program expanded to communities. DRMC Medical Center Chief Dr. Bryan O. Dalid explained, “The supply was not enough due to the increasing number of babies in our NICU. We went out to Barangay Apokon (Tagum City) but still, it’s not sufficient.”
To ensure the program’s sustainability, the LGU of Asuncion has purchased a freezer to store donated milk and plans to extend the initiative to village levels. Mayor Dayaday also issued Executive Order No. 01 series of 2025, establishing the Municipal Structure of Coordination on Human Milk Donation Program.
Agnes Catoera, DRMC’s Human Milk Donation Program coordinator, highlighted the program’s meaning, calling it a “brainchild of DRMC” that other Department of Health (DOH) hospitals aim to replicate. Asuncion is the first LGU in Davao del Norte to officially roll out this life-saving initiative, which also helps track lactating mothers discharged from DRMC.
Key Highlights of the Human Milk Donation Program
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event Date | January 22, 2025 |
| Location | Asuncion municipal Gym, davao del Norte |
| Participants | 40 lactating mothers from 6 barangays |
| Incentives | 5 kilos of rice, umbrellas, and hygiene kits |
| legal Basis | Republic Act No.11148 and MOA between DRMC and LGU Asuncion |
| Program Goal | Provide human milk for NICU babies and support disaster-affected infants |
This initiative not only addresses a critical healthcare need but also fosters community spirit and compassion. As Asuncion leads the way, the hope is that more LGUs will follow suit, ensuring that no baby goes without the vital nourishment they need to thrive.
Asuncion Leads the Way in Human Milk Donation to Save Neonatal Lives
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Municipal Government of Asuncion has launched a human milk donation program to address the critical need for breast milk among infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). This program, a collaboration with the Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), aims to provide life-saving nourishment to vulnerable babies while fostering community support and compassion.In this interview, Senior Editor John Williams of world-today-news.com speaks with Dr. Maria Santos, a lactation specialist and advocate for neonatal health, to discuss the program’s impact and meaning.
The Genesis of the Human Milk Donation Program
John Williams: Dr. Santos, can you tell us how the Human Milk Donation Program in Asuncion came to be?
Dr. Maria Santos: Certainly, John. The program was initiated by the DRMC in July 2023 to address the growing demand for human milk in NICUs. Initially,the hospital sourced milk from within its premises,but the increasing number of premature and critically ill babies made it necessary to expand to communities. The municipality of Asuncion stepped up as a pioneer in this initiative, organizing the first mass milk donation event on January 22, 2025, at the Asuncion Municipal Gym. This collaboration between the DRMC and the local government unit (LGU) is a testament to their commitment to neonatal health.
The Role of Community and Government Support
John Williams: What role did the community and local government play in making this program a success?
Dr. Maria Santos: The community’s involvement has been crucial. Forty lactating mothers from six barangays participated in the event, donating their milk to support NICU babies. The Republic Act No. 11148, or the Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-nanay Act, provided the legal framework for this initiative. The LGU of asuncion, under Mayor Atty. Eufracio Dayaday Jr., also played a pivotal role by providing incentives like rice, umbrellas, and hygiene kits to encourage participation. Additionally, the municipality purchased a freezer to store donated milk and issued an executive order to establish a structured coordination mechanism for the program.
The Impact on Neonatal Health
John Williams: How does this program address the needs of NICU babies and disaster-affected infants?
Dr.Maria Santos: human milk is essential for the survival and advancement of premature and critically ill infants. It provides vital nutrients and antibodies that formula cannot replicate. This program ensures that NICU babies in the DRMC and other hospitals have access to this life-saving resource. It also extends its reach to infants affected by disasters, who often face malnutrition and health risks. By involving communities, the program not only meets immediate needs but also builds a lasting model for future challenges.
Challenges and Future Plans
John Williams: What are some challenges the program has faced, and what are its future goals?
Dr. Maria Santos: One of the main challenges has been ensuring a steady supply of donated milk, especially given the rising number of NICU babies. Expanding the program to more barangays and raising awareness about the importance of milk donation are key priorities. The DRMC and LGU of Asuncion are working to replicate this model in other regions, with the hope that more LGUs will adopt similar initiatives.Sustaining community engagement and ensuring the safe storage and distribution of milk are also critical aspects of the program’s long-term success.
Conclusion
John Williams: Dr. Santos, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s inspiring to see how Asuncion is leading the way in such a vital healthcare initiative. As we conclude, what message would you like to leave with our readers?
Dr. Maria Santos: My message is simple: Every drop of milk donated can save a life. This program is a testament to the power of community and compassion in addressing critical healthcare needs. I hope more communities and local governments will follow Asuncion’s example, ensuring that no baby goes without the nourishment they need to thrive. Together, we can make a difference.
This interview highlights the transformative impact of Asuncion’s Human Milk Donation Program,showcasing the power of collaboration,community spirit,and compassionate leadership in neonatal healthcare.
