According to World Health Organization Philippines' estimate, annually, 16,000 Filipino children die because of inappropriate feeding practices. The number is similar to Araneta Coliseum's full seating capacity!

Breastfeeding protects maternal and child health, the economy and the ecology. It propels women empowerment and ensures food security. 

Breastfeeding advocates and experts have petitioned the government to put in place a strict Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) of the law that protect breastfeeding. 

In 2007, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the IRR in a law suit that milk companies filed against the Department of Health. Two of its effects are: 

1. Require milk companies to put breastfeeding messages and warning labels (see below) on all artificial formula milk cans and advertisements marketed for children 0-3 years old.
2. Regulate the marketing of the so-called milk supplements for 0-3 years old children that are promoted as partial or total replacement for breastmilk.

All milk advertisements carry these warnings as well. In 2010, a new Administrative Order (AO 2012-0027) was passed.  Advocates noticed that the breastfeeding messages/warnings disappeared from the advertisements and the milk companies are now vigorously advertising milk supplements with an incomplete mandatory standard message from AO 2012-0027.

Back in early 2000, breastfeeding was nearly on the brink of extinction. With a massive national campaign, the rates went up considerably. We need to safeguard the gains of the breastfeeding movement. These breastfeeding messages and warnings will help educate new mothers and the general public on the benefits of breastfeeding as well as the hazards of giving non-human milk to children. 

We respectfully urge you to:

1. Please Bring Back the following Breastfeeding Messages to all Non-Human Milk Advertisements.
2. Regulate the marketing of the so-called milk supplements for 0-3 years old children that are being promoted as partial or total replacement for breastmilk. 

ENGLISH:

Breastmilk is best for babies up to 2 years of age and beyond.
Important Notice: There is no substitute for breastmilk.

FILIPINO:
Ang gatas ng ina ang pinakamabuti para sa bata hanggang 2 taon at higit pa.
Mahalagang Paalala: Walang anumang gatas ang pwedeng ipalit sa gatas ng ina.

A WARNING ON THE POSSIBLE CONTAMINANTS IN NON-HUMAN MILK

There is likelihood that pathogenic microorganisms will be in this product when it is prepared and used inappropriately.

Ang produktong ito ay maaaring magkaroon ng mikrobyo na nagdudulot ng sakit kapag hindi tama ang paghahanda at paggamit.

To learn more about our efforts in resisting unethical marketing practices of milk companies, please read this: 
Breastfeeding Philippines - Nurturers of the Earth - Protecting Breastfeeding