INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING (IYCF)

I. Profile/Rationale of the Health Program

A global strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) was issued jointly by the World Health
Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in 2002, to reverse the disturbing
trends in infant and young child feeding practices. This global strategy was endorsed by the 55th World
Health Assembly in May 2002 and by the UNICEF Executive Board in September 2002 respectively.
In 2004, infant and young child feeding practices were assessed using the WHO assessment protocol and
rated poor to fair. Findings showed four out of ten newborns were initiated to breastfeeding within an hour
after birth, three out of ten infants less than six months were exclusively breastfed and the median duration
of breastfeeding was only thirteen months. The complementary feeding indicator was also rated as poor
since only 57.9 percent of 6-9 months children received complementary foods while continuing to breastfed.
The assessment also found out that complementary foods were introduced too early, at the age of less
than two months. These poor practices needed urgent action and aggressive sustained interventions.
To address these problems on infant and young child feeding practices, the first National IYCF Plan of
Action was formulated. It aimed to improve the nutritional status and health of children especially the under-
three and consequently reduce infant and under-five mortality. Specifically, its objectives were to improve,
protect and promote infant and young child feeding practices, increase political commitment at all levels,
provide a supportive environment and ensure its sustainability. Figure 1 shows the identified key objectives,
supportive strategies and key interventions to guide the overall implementation and evaluation of the 2005-
2010 Plan of Action. The main efforts were directed towards creating a supportive environment for
appropriate IYCF practices. The approval of the National Plan of Action in 2005 helped the Department of
Health (DOH) and its partners, in the development of the first (1st) National Policy on Infant and Young
Child Feeding. Thus on May 23, 2005, Administrative Order (AO) 2005-0014: National Policies on IYCF
was signed and endorsed by the Secretary of Health. The policy was intended to guide health workers and
other concerned parties in ensuring the protection, promotion and support of exclusive breastfeeding and
adequate and appropriate complementary feeding with continued breastfeeding. (1)

GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The IYCF Strategic Plan of Action upholds the following guiding principles:
1. Children have the right to adequate nutrition and access to safe and nutritious food, and both are
essential for fulfilling their right to the highest attainable standard of health. (5)
2. Mothers and Infants form a biological and social unit and improved IYCF begins with ensuring the
health and nutritional status of women. (5)
3. Almost every woman can breastfeed provided they have accurate information and support from their
families, communities and responsible health and non-health related institutions during critical settings
and various circumstances including special and emergency situations.(5)
4. The national and local government, development partners, non-government organizations, business
sectors, professional groups, academe and other stakeholders acknowledges their responsibilities and
form alliances and partnerships for improving IYCF with no conflict of interest.
5. Strengthened communication approaches focusing on behavioral and social change is essential for
demand generation and community empowerment.

GOAL, MAIN OBJECTIVE, OUTCOMES AND TARGETS

GOAL:
Reduction of child mortality and morbidity through optimal feeding of infants and young children
MAIN OBJECTIVE:
To ensure and accelerate the promotion, protection and support of good IYCF practice
OUTCOMES:
By 2016:
 90 percent of newborns are initiated to breastfeeding within one hour after birth;
 70 percent of infants are exclusively breastfeed for the first 6 months of life; and
 95 percent of infants are given timely adequate and safe complementary food starting
at 6 months of age.
TARGETS:
By 2016:
 50 percent of hospitals providing maternity and child health services are certified
MBFHI;
 60 percent of municipalities/cities have at least one functional IYCF support group;
 50 percent of workplaces have lactation units and/or implementing nursing/lactation
breaks;
 100 percent of reported alleged Milk Code violations are acted upon and sanctions
are implemented as appropriate;
  100 percent of elementary, high school and tertiary schools are using the updated
IYCF curricula including the inclusion of IYCF into the prescribed textbooks and
teaching materials; and
 100 percent of IYCF related emergency/disaster response and evacuation are
compliant to the IFE guidelines.

II. Target beneficiaries of the program are infants (0-11 months) and young children (12 to 36
months years old or 1 to 3 years old)
III. Action/Work Plan

KEY INTERVENTION SETTINGS AND SERVICES

STRATEGIES, PILLARS AND ACTION POINTS

STRATEGY1: Partnerships with NGOsand GOs in the coordination and implementation of the
IYCF Program
1.1 Formalize partnerships with GOs and NGOs working on IYCF program coordination and
implementation
a. Strengthen the TWG to allow it to effectively coordinate the GOs and NGOs working for the IYCF
Program
The national TWG will remain but will be strengthened. It shall be constituted by: NCDPC as Chair, FHO
as secretariat and representatives from NCDPC,FHO, NCHP, FDA, DJFMH, DSWD,CWC, NNC, ILO,
WHO and UNICEF. This time, members of theTWG will be tasked to focus participation to the intervention
setting where it ismost relevant.
The TWG shall be reporting regularly to the Service Delivery Cluster Head. At the Regional level, the
Regional Coordinators from the above offices shall collaborate in the implementation of the IYCF
Program. To ensure that GO and NGO IYCF partners work together, the composition of the TWGs and
AD Hoc committees shall be made up of representatives from the government and non-government sectors
and the Ad Hoc Committees shall be chaired by the relevant agency where the intervention setting belongs.
At the provincial, municipal and barangay levels the existing Coordinating Committees which
has an interagency composition shall be the coordinating arm of the IYCF Program. This is where the
participation of non-government entities will be facilitated. Mechanisms for coordination shall be devised
to build a strong foundation for partnership between the LGU, the Coordinating Committees and local
NGOs or private entities.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) shall be executed between DOH and other agencies invited
to become members of the TWG.
b. Organize functional Intervention Setting Committees (this is the same as the ad-hoc committee)
The years covered by this action plan will be
marked with many developmental activities in all the intervention settings. The TWG shall create a
committee for each of the intervention setting. The committees shall be chaired by the relevant agency/
office. Other government and non-government agencies will be invited to the committees relevant to their
mandate.
c. Return the MBFHI responsibility from NCHFD to NCDPC
The National Policy on IYCF created in 2005 has affirmed the MBFHI responsibility to NCHFD. Since
MBFHI is now under the umbrella of the IYCF Program, it is in a better position to consolidate efforts
towards MBFHI compliance. Thus the return of the MBFHI responsibility from NCHFD to NCDPC shall be
pursued. The collaboration of NCHFD is still needed though as it has a direct hand on health facility
development. At NCDPC the integration of IYCF in the MNCHN Action Plan shall be worked out in all
aspects of the program and at the different levels of implementation.
d. Augment human resource complement of NCDPC- FHO, IYCF program
NCDPC-FHO as the secretariat of the TWG and supervising and supporting the IYCF Program will
not be able to effectively carry out the technical, management and administrative roles and
responsibilities without additional human resource. Funds shall be allotted for job orders for this purpose.
e. Programmed contracting out of activities to organizations outside of DOH
To achieve the objectives and targets of the IYCF
program, it shall be implemented simultaneously in the different intervention settings and at a faster
pace. This is a gargantuan task considering the extent of the
developmental work, the management requirements, and the mobilization of the IYCF
network and the sourcing of funds for implementation.
Organizations and consultants that possess the expertise and the commitment to the IYCF program
will be contracted out for complex activities that require time and effort beyond the capacity of the
TWG and the Ad Hoc committees. These contracts shall be arranged based on need and awarded based
on merit.
STRATEGY 2: Integration of key IYCF action points in the MNCHN Plan of Action/Strategy
2.1 Institutionalize the IYCF monitoring and tracking system for national, regional and LGU levels
a. Institutionalize the collection of PIR Data and generate annual performance report
The established IYCF data set that are being collected during PIRs shall be further reviewed, revised as
appropriate and institutionalized through a Department Circular and in collaboration with the other
programs in the FHO.
An IYCF Program annual performance report shall be generated at the end of every year based on
the PIR data, the consolidated data from the unified monitoring and related data coming from research
and studies as appropriate. Reports on the performance of developmental activities shall be collected
as part of the data base and to be reported as needed to the Service Delivery Cluster Head.
b. Maximize the use of the unified monitoring tool
The CHDs through its Regional Coordinators shall be required to use and consolidate the unified
monitoring tool. A simple data management program shall be developed to facilitate the consolidation
of data extracted from monitoring. Reports shall be required two weeks after the end of every quarter.
c. Collaborate with the National Epidemiology Center (NEC)
and Information Management Service (IMS) regarding IYCF data
The current records and reports being collected by the DOH Field Health Information System will remain
as the main source of data from health facilities. However,
collaboration with NEC and IMS to improve data quality and include data on complementary feeding
is essential.
2.2 Participation of the IYCF Focal person in MNCHN planning and monitoring activities
a. Designate the IYCF Focal Person as a regular member of the team working for the
development and implementation of the MNCHN Strategy
The IYCF Focal Person shall ensure that the IYCF
action points become an agenda of the MNCHN Strategy and thus ultimately the IYCF services forms
a part of the integrated services for mothers and children. In the MNCHN
planning and monitoring, the IYCF Focal Person shall help ensure that in the multitude of activities,
critical IYCF action points and indicators are not overlooked.

STRATEGY 3: Harnessing the executive arm of government to implement and enforce the IYCF
related legislations and regulations (EO 51, RA 7200 and RA 10028)
3.1 Consultation mechanism with the IAC and DOJ for the enforcement of the Milk Code and with other
relevant GOs for other IYCF related legislations and regulations
a. Devise and implement a consultation mechanism to bring together the IAC, DOJ and other
relevant GOs for IYCF related legislations and regulations
The Committee for Industry Regulation shall devise and implement a consultation mechanism to
facilitate the implementation and enforcement of IYCF related laws and regulations. This will require
participation of higher levels of authority in the GOs.
The goal of the consultation mechanisms is to develop activities that will focus on facilitating the process
of monitoring of compliance and enforcement of IYCF related laws and regulations not only at the
national level but also at regional and local levels and in the five IYCF intervention settings.
3.2 Support Civil Society in the implementation and enforcement of IYCF related laws and regulations
a. Institutionalize enforcement of MBFHI compliance in the regulatory function of the DOH
The inclusion of the MBFHI requirements in the unified licensing/accreditation benchmarks of the
BHFS and the Licensing Offices shall be pursued more vigorously in collaboration with BHFS and the
Licensing offices of the CHDs. These offices are in a better position to enforce compliance in
relation to their regulatory function and in their power to promulgate penalties for violations.
b. Review and improve the processing of reports on violations on the Milk Code
The handling of reports on violations shall be reviewed for thoroughness and timeliness from the time a
report is submitted up to the final decision rendered on a case. Problematic areas and bottlenecks shall
be identified and threshed out. Measures to ensure that all reports on violations are acted upon shall be
devised.
To ensure speedy resolution of cases, it is necessary to set deadlines on the processing of reports on
violations.
c. Invite the Professional Regulatory Board as a resource agency of the IAC
Apart from companies who are actively marketing breastmilk substitutes, health professionals who
have direct access and influence on pregnant and postpartum women are also among the most common
violators of the law. The PRC as the legal authority that regulates the practice of the medical and allied
professions can contribute to the development and enforcement of the IAC’s regulatory function.
d. Augment human resource of FDA as secretariat of the IAC
The current load of violations cases being processed and the fulfillment of other responsibilities with
regards to the Milk Code at FDA require a full time legal officer who will also assist the CHDs.
Furthermore, the strengthened monitoring of compliance to the Milk Code will result in a surge on
violation reports. FDA should be prepared to process such reports. An additional full time legal officer
and an administrative/ clerical staff is required to facilitate and help speed up the process.
e. Engage professional societies to come-up with measures for self monitoring and regulation
Monitoring of overt advertisements and marketing of
breast milk substitutes is a persistent challenge. Monitoring of compliance to the Milk Code among
health workers and medical and allied professional organizations is much more difficult. Promotion of
breast milk substitutes is more personal and concealed.
The medical and allied professional societies are strong and active bodies that foster organizational
development and discipline among its members. An advocating
stance over a punitive approach may be the more prudent initial approach in this environment. There
will be dialogue, negotiations and forging of agreements to push the Milk Code and other policies on IYCF.
The professional societies will be engaged to participate in the development of the monitoring scheme
within their ranks and in health facilities. They are a good resource in the development of schemes for
MBFHI and related technical matters. Working arrangements/contracts may be forged to seal
responsibilities and partnerships.
Representatives from the professional societies will constitute the Speaker’s Bureau which will be
organized for the information dissemination/awareness campaign on the Milk Code, the Expanded
Breastfeeding Promotion Act and the Policies on IYCF.

STRATEGY 4: Intensified focused activities to create an environment supportive to IYCF

practices
4.1 Modeling the MBF system in the key intervention settings in selected regions
a. Set up Models of MBFHI and MNCHN implementation in key strategic hospitals and referral networks
Regional Hospitals and selected private hospitals shall be developed as models of MBFHI and
MNCHN implementation to help create an impact and to serve as showcases for other health facilities.
If these hospitals are currently training facilities for
obstetrics and pediatrics residency program, the MBFHI environment will certainly add value to the
training.
An itinerant team will facilitate the development of the hospital models. The team will be composed of
an Obstetrician with training/background on MNCHN, Pediatrician with training/background on Lactation
Management/Essential Newborn Care, Nurse trainer for breastfeeding counseling, Senior IYCF
Program person with administrative background who can deal
with arrangements and coordination with hospitals
and local governments and who can be a trainer and an administrative assistant who will facilitate
administrative matters. The team will facilitate the activities leading to the organization and
maintenance of the MBFHI in the hospitals. This shall include
planning, setting up of operational details and physical structures when needed,
training/coaching of personnel, keeping records and completing reports and self assessment.
Regional hospitals shall be developed for IYCF capacity building. Trainings at Regional Hospitals
shall be conducted in collaboration with the CHDs. This is so that training is de-
centralized and monitoring and evaluation can be done more frequently at the provincial and
municipal levels.
b. Establish protocols/standards on how to set-up and maintain MBF workplaces and integrated in
the standards for healthy workplace
The IYCF Program shall focus on the enforcement of the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009
which mandates workplaces to establish lactation stations and/or
grant breastfeeding breaks. Guidelines for the establishment and maintenance of MBF workplace
shall be developed. It will learn from lessons of already established and successful MBF workplace. In as
much as standards for the healthy workplace are already
established, the MBF guidelines shall be integrated into those standards.
The establishment of MBF workplaces initiated in factories shall be scaled up and efforts shall be expanded
to include government and private offices in line with Expanded Breasfeeding Act. The current collaboration
partners in the workplace setting may also need to be expanded to promote the establishment of
the MBF workplace in government and private offices. With the multitude of workplaces
scattered throughout the country, the expansion may require outsourcing of organizations to continue the
MBF workplace efforts.
c. Enhance the primary, secondary and tertiary education curricula on IYCF
The enhancement of the primary, secondary and tertiary education curricula on IYCF shall be
pursued. If necessary, a review of the curriculum will be done prior to the enhancement. Apart from the
curriculum enhancement, training materials, books and teachers’ guide shall also be updated.
The initial collaboration for the enhancement of the primary, secondary and tertiary education curricula
shall take place at the central office of DepEd (Bureau of Elementary Education and Bureau of Secondary
Education) and TESDA. The enhanced curriculum, training materials, books and teacher’s guide shall be
field tested province-wide in three selected provinces, evaluated and further enhanced before a national
implementation.
d. Develop policy on IYCF in emergencies (IFE) and guidelines on the management of
malnutrition, and IYCF in special medical conditions for the community
A clear policy on IYCF is necessary to allow the program to define
the guidelines that can be easily followed by GOs, NGOs and LGUs once such situations arise. The
policy/guidelines shall address among others the issue of milk donations. Guidelines on the Community
Management of Malnutrition, IYCF in special medical conditions such as errors of metabolism or HIV
positive mothers shall also be developed for implementation.
Camp managers and organized local nutrition clusters shall be oriented on the IFE guidelines.
Disaster prone areas will be prioritized in the orientation. Training/orientation shall be a collaborative effort
between the IYCF Program, HEMS and the NDCC.
4.2 Creation of a Regional and National incentive and awarding systems for the most outstanding IYCF
champions in the different sectors of society
a. Review and update the existing awarding system
The current awarding system shall be reviewed. The search protocol shall be further refined to allow a
wider search. The organization of the search committees in the local and national levels shall be
formalized. Funds for the awards shall be ensured.
b. Establish a recognition system for health facilities complying with EO51, RA10028 and the MBFHI
National Policy
Set up an annual recognition system for facilities, establishments complying with relevant IYCF
legislations and regulations. The benefits provided for by the Milk Code to
compliant health facilities shall be reviewed and improved/established parallel with the development of
the incentive scheme for the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act. Procedures for claiming
benefits shall be established and made accessible in collaboration with PhilHealth, BIR and other
relevant government offices.
4.3 Allocate/Raise /Seek resources for IYCF Research activities that document best practices in the
Philippines
a. Carry out an inventory of best practices on IYCF Identify best IYCF practices by allowing every
province
in the country to identify exemplary or creative activities
on IYCF that boosted program services/performance. Validate the reports through CHDs and select the
best practices for documentation and publication.
b. Allocate resources and conduct IYCF related researches focusing on the documentation and measure
of impact of noble experiences and interventions
The documentation of IYCF best practices is considered a critical area that allows the development of
models/ references for appropriate IYCF protocols and
guidelines for implementation. Field personnel who are able to establish and provide successful models
of IYCF services are often deficient in resources and skills to document the efforts. Resources to conduct
IYCF related researchers, focusing on the documentation and measure of impact of noble experiences
and interventions, will have to be allocated.

STRATEGY 5: Engaging the Private Sector and International Organizations to raise funds for
the scaling up and support of the IYCF program
5.2 Setting up of a fund raising mechanism for IYCF with the participation of
International Organizations and the Private Sector
a. Set-up the fund raising mechanism
The development and sustainability of IYCF activities partly depends on the availability of resources. At
the national level, where many developmental activities
will take place, the regular sources of funds are not sufficient. At the local levels, the poorer more
problematic areas have the least resources to promote, protect and support good IYCF practices. It is
critical for the IYCF Program to determine and actively
source budgetary and other resource requirements.
The availability of resources will guide the scale and prioritization of IYCF activities in the annual
operational planning.
To augment the funds for the IYCF program, a funding mechanism/body that will serve as a fund raising
arm for the elimination of child malnutrition shall be established.
The effort should be able to explore and proceed with the development of a funding mechanism that
can encourage public-private partnership and ensure resources to initiate and sustain critical interventions
nationwide. The arena of fund raising is not within the expertise of DOH, and it will be important to discuss
with the international and national partners on the most suitable mechanism that can help attain such
important goal.

PILLAR 1: Capacity Building

Capacity building shall take different forms and intensity in accordance to the requirement of the
intervention settings.
In health facilities, training on Lactation Management and Counseling shall continue. A system
for regular in- service or refresher training to address the fast turnover of health staff in hospitals and to
provide necessary program updates shall be put in place. Staggered training and self- enforcing programs
may also be devised to improve access to training when warranted. Periodic evaluation shall be
incorporated into the system to ensure effectiveness and efficiency of the trainings.
The Milk Code monitors at FDA, CHDs and local levels shall be trained on the latest guidelines to help
ensure that provisions on regulation and enforcement in the RIRR of the Milk Code are closely adhered to.
The monitors should be prepared to handle incidents of actual violation of the code during
inspection/monitoring. The local monitors shall be equipped with user friendly monitoring tools.
The competencies of teachers and administrators to teach the new IYCF updated curriculum and to
appreciate the importance of MBF environment shall be enhanced. A training/seminar program on IYCF
for teachers/ administrators will be developed. A core of teacher trainers in every region will be developed
and organized to conduct the training/seminars nationwide.
IV. Status of the Program
A REVIEW FROM 2005 TO 2010

Status of
Objectives and Targets set in 2005-2010 Remarks
Achievement
OBJECTIVE 1: TO IMPROVE, PROTECT
AND PROMOTE APPROPRIATE INFANT
AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING
PRACTICES CHILD FEEDING
PRACTICES

- 70% of newborns initiated to 40.7%(NDHS

53.5% (NDHS 08)
breastfeeding within 30 minutes 1998)
- 80% of 0-
33.5%(NDHS
6 months infants are exclusively 34% (NDHS 2008)
2003)
breastfed
-
16.1%(NDHS
50% of infants are exclusively breastfed 22.2% (NDHS 2008)
2003)
for 6 months
- median duration of breastfeeding is 18 15.1months (NDHS 13 months (NDHS
months 2008) 1998)
- 90% of 6- <10 months infants are given
57.9%(NDHS
timely, adequate and safe complementary 58% (NDHS 2008)
2003)
foods

76% (NDHS 2003)

NDHS 2008 and
- 95% of children 6 months to 2003 data refers to
75.9% (NDHS 2008)
59 months received Vitamin A those that received
vitamin A in the
past 6 months from
the interview
37% of children age 6-
59 months received
iron supplements in
the seven days before 72.8% of 6-59
the survey months received
- 70% of low birth weight babies and iron (NDHS 2008) iron drops /
deficient 6 months to less than 5 years
received complete dose of iron syrup (not
supplements 78.3% of children 6-59 specified if
months consumed complete dose,
foods rich in iron in the MCHS 2002)
past
24 hours from the time
of the survey
- 80% of pregnant women have at least 67.5% (MCHS
77.8% (NDHS 2008)
4 prenatal visits 2002)
82% (not specified
- 80% of pregnant women received
82.4% (NDHS 2008) if complete dose,
complete dose of iron supplements
MCHS 2002)
44.6% (NDHS
2003) NDHS 2003
and 2008 data
- 80% of lactating women received represents the %
45.6% (NDHS 2008)
vitamin A capsule of women that
received Vitamin A
dose during post-
partum
38%, household
41.9% (NDHS 2008) using iodized salt
81.1% household and
- 80% of household using iodized salt
positive for iodine in 56.4% household
salt (NDHS 2008) positive for iodine
in salt (NNS 2003)
OBJECTIVE 2: TO INCREASE POLITICAL
COMMITMENT
AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF
GOVERNMENT, INTERNATIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS, NON- GOVERNMENT
ORGANIZATIONS, PRIVATE SECTOR,
PROFESSIONAL GROUPS , CIVIL
SOCIETY, COMMUNITIES AND FAMILIES
IYCF Policy approved
- Approved and widely disseminated
May 25, 2005 and
National Infant and Young Child Feeding
disseminated to all
Policy
Regions and LGUs.
- Approved multi-sectoral National IYCF Plan of Action
IYCF Plan of Action 2005-2010 approved.
AO 2007-0017:
Guidelines on the
Acceptance and
Processing of Local
- IYCF policy enhancement for emerging
and Foreign Donations
issues
During Emergency
and Disaster
Situations was signed
May 28, 2007.
New groups were Active
active in supporting organizations
activities on IFE include Latch, La
- Increase number of organizations mostly during the Leche League,
actively involved in IYCF post-Ondoy Save the Children,
interventions and in Plan
relation to International and
breastfeeding support. Arugaan.
Additional funds for
IYCF were secured
since April 2007,
From 1 million pesos in the start of the
2005 to 20 million AHMP with
pesos in 2010. intensive IYCF
training.

Additional funds were September

secured by the Joint 2009, signing of
- Increase budget for IYCF program on MDG-F, the JP for Ensuring
wherein UN Agencies Food Security and
(Unicef, FAO, ILO Nutrition for
and WHO) with NNC Children 0-24
and DOH, started months in the
implementing key Philippines, funded
IYCF interventions. by the
Government of
Spain through the
MDG Achievement
Fund.
OBJECTIVE 3: PROVIDE SUPPORTIVE
ENVIRONMENT THAT WILL ENABLE
PARENTS, MOTHER, CAREGIVERS,
FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES TO
IMPLEMENT OPTIMAL FEEDING
PRACTICES FOR INFANTS AND YOUNG
CHILD
PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT

National TWG active

and 11/12
Regions confirmed
having established a
TWG. Data as of Dec
2009. Although the
national TWG is
- Functional IYCF Program authority
and responsibility flow at the national, At the LGU level 7/80 considered active,
regional and LGU level the collaboration
provinces, between agencies
9/120 cities and can be considered
175/1425 deficient.
municipalities have
passed a
resolution/ordinance in
support of IYCF.
- Existing local committees functioning as
No available data
IYCF committees
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
AO 2007-0026:
Revitalization of the
MBFHI in Health
Facilities with
Maternity Services Within 2 years after
was signed and the issuance of
endorsed on July 10, COC, 0/47
2007. hospitals applied
- 1,426 currently certified MBF hospitals
for accreditation to
sustained 10 steps
become MBF
PhilHealth Circular No. based on the new
26 S-2005: standards and
Requirement for requirements.
Accredited Hospitals
to be “Mother- Baby
Friendly” was issued
on October 11, 2005.
Only 47/1487 have
- 300 additional hospitals/lying-in certified received a COC
as MBF
since 2007
- 100% of hospitals rooming–in their
No available data
newborns
RA 10028: Expanded
Breastfeeding RA 10028 set the
- All offices of government agencies who
Promotion Act of 2009 standards to
are members of the IYCF IAC will be MBF
was enacted on March becoming MBF.
16, 2010.
6/16 Regions reported
- At least one model workplace per that there are at least
province/city certified as MBF 88 breastfeeding
friendly workplaces.
- At least one model IYCF resource center No resource center
1 province and 1 city in each region established
10/16 Regions
reported that there are
- At least 3 IYCF model barangay/ at least 2159
municipality per province and city breastfeeding support
groups at the
barangay level.
RA
Milk bank is functional 10028 encourages
in 3 Medical other Medical
- Functional milk bank in all medical centers
Centers: PGH, Centers to set up
DJFMH and PCMC their own milk
bank.
IMPROVING SYSTEMS
Based on monitoring
- 100% of national, regional and LGU health
visits and reports from No available data
facilities have integrated IEC on IYCF into
CHDs, public health on private health
regular MCH services with clearly stated
facilities have ensured facilities.
protocols on how to provide key IYCF
the integration.
Only 4/13 Regions
reported some sort of
Milk Code monitoring
activities.

- Functional and effective Milk Code At the FDA, from 2007

Monitoring system to 2009, there were 67
reports of violations
and only 3/13 Regions
reported filing a
complaint for the
alleged violations.
Draft tool developed
- Institutionalize facility IYCF MIS and used in two key
system in place by end of 2009 instances. No
institutionalization yet.
28,063/34,298 staff
were trained on NCDPC and NNC
-Improving skills of health manpower
combined report
IYCF Counseling.

- Available national / regional IYCF 16/17 Regions

reported conduct of
trainers training on IYCF.
- Active IYCF Speakers’ Bureau No available data
28,063/34,298 staff
- Available IYCF counselors in 50% NCDPC and NNC
were trained on
of health facilities combined report.
IYCF Counseling.
DOH focused on
- At least 10 Filipino health professionals
capacitating health
internationally accredited as breastfeeding With the support of
workers on Counseling
counselors by the International Board of NNC.
and Lactation
Lactation Consultants Examiners
Management.
9/13 Regions reported
having trained a total
of 1485 hospital based
health workers on
- A lactation specialist is available in tertiary No denominator
Lactation
hospitals available.
Management with the
support of DJFMH,
NCDPC,CHDs and
NNC.
In June 2010 a
workshop on
integration/updating of
The process of
- Improved curricula for IYCF of medical good IYCF practice
integration is on-
/ nursing / midwifery schools into the medical,
going.
nursing, midwifery and
nutrition curricula was
conducted.
RA 10028: Expanded RA 10028 was
Breastfeeding enacted on March
- Inclusion of breastfeeding in elementary 16,
Promotion Act of 2009
education
mandates the 2010. The IRR is
integration. yet to be signed.
 10/16 Regions As of Dec 2009.
- Community level support systems and reported that there are
services at least RA 10028 will help
2,159 barangay level boost the number
BF support groups of breastfeeding
and more than 40 BF friendly public
friendly public places. places.

- 100% of target communities with

functional community level monitoring No available data
system of IYCF practices and changes
10/16 Regions
- At least 50% of city and poblacion reported that there are
municipalities with adequate number of at least 2,159 BF
trained IYCF peer counselors support groups at the
barangay level.
10/16 Regions
reported that there are
- At least one functional BF / IYCF support at least 2,159 BF
group in poblacions and selected support groups at the
communities barangay level.

OBJECTIVE 4: ENSURE
SUSTAINABILITY OF INTERVENTIONS
TO IMPROVE, PROTECT AND PROMOTE
INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING
- Functional self assessment health
Tool Drafted. Not yet
facility tools for IYCF in certified MBFH
institutionalized.
and main health centers
- Annual progress reports of status of 1st IYCF PIR: 2007
implementation of Milk Code, Rooming In
and Breastfeeding Act, ASIN Law, Food
Fortification and ECCD Law / IYCF Policy 2nd IYCF PIR: 2009
Key result of
IYCF integrated in integration was the
- IYCF integrated into Philippine Plan of PPAN 2005- intensive training
Action for Nutrition and annual planning 2010. PIR was on IYCF
and health monitoring systems at all levels conducted last quarter Counseling in
of 2010. AHMP target
areas.
Regular
Presentations are
- Periodic feedback of IYCF status during offered by DOH on
annual conventions of health IYCF status (2005:
professionals/Leagues of Provinces/ 1st presentation
Cities/Municipalities and Barangays during National
Convention Liga Ng
Barangay)
V. Program Manager
VICENTA E. BORJA, RN, MPH
Supervising Health Program Officer
Family Health Office
National Center for Disease Prevention and Control
Department of Health
Telephone no. 7329956
E-mail Add: vicentaborja@hotmail.com

Partner Organizations/agencies

NGO Partners:
Local:
 Employers Confederation of the Philippines
 Trade Union Congress of the Philippines
 Beauty, Brains and Breastfeeding
 ARUGAAN
 Action for Economic Reforms
 Save Baby e-group
 Philippine Pediatric Society
 Philippine Obstetric and Gynecology Society
 Philippine Academy of Family Physicians Inc.
 Philippine Society of Newborn Medicine
 Philippine Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology
 Philippine Neonatology Society
 Philippine Society of Obstetric Anesthesiologist
 Philippine Academy of Lactation Consultant
 Perinatal Association of the Philippines
 Philippine Medical Association
 Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines
 Maternal and Child Nurses Association of the Philippines
 Philippine Nurses Association
 National League of Philippine Government Nurses Inc.
 Malls: SM , NCCC
 Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines
 CODHEND

Government Partners:
 Department of Labor and Employment
 Department of Social Welfare and Development
 Department of Justice
 Department of Trade and Industry
 Department of Local Government
 Food and Drug Administration
 National Nutrition Council
 Council for the Welfare of Children
 Department of Education
 Commission on Higher Education
 Nutrition Council of the Philippines
International Organizations:
 World Health Organization
 UNICEF
 PLAN International
 Helen Keller International
 Save the Children-US
 World Vision