Amid the celebration of the National Breastfeeding Month, the call for an extended maternity leave was renewed by Senator Sonny Angara.
Angara hopes to pass Senate Bill 1305 that would double the current number of days of paid maternity leave from 60 to 120 days.
“The longer period for maternity leave will free up time for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies, and in turn, ensure their child’s nutrition,” said Angara in a statement.
In a public breastfeeding event on Sunday, hundreds of Filipino mothers nursed their children in “Hakab na,” held in SMX convention center in Pasay City.
Hakab Na!’s is the kick-off program of this year’s National Breastfeeding Month where more than 1,500 Filipino moms simultaneously nursed their children to celebrate and spread awareness about breastfeeding benefits to babies and mothers.
Participants described the event as “empowering;” other moms said that even though it was difficult to secure their milk, they do it for love, reported Time.
The senator added that fathers should support breastfeeding moms as it is physically and emotionally demanding to nurse children.
“Walang katumbas ang gatas ng ina–both in terms of its nutritional and economic value,” added Angara.
Once passed, the bill would allow 30 days to be transferable to alternate caregivers including the father, common-law partner, and relatives of the parents.
