EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51 October 20, 1986ADOPTING A NATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING OF BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTES, BREASTMILK SUPPLEMENTS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, PENALIZING VIOLATIONS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSESWHEREAS, in order to ensure that safe and adequate nutrition for infants is provided, there is a need to protect and promote breastfeeding and to inform the public about the proper use of breastmilk substitutes and supplements and related products through adequate, consistent and objective information and appropriate regulation of the marketing and distribution of the said substitutes, supplements and related products;WHEREAS, consistent with Article 11 of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, the present government should adopt appropriate legislation to give effect to the principles and aim of the aforesaid International Code;NOW, THEREFORE, I, CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, do hereby order:Sec. 1. Title. This Code shall be known and cited as the "National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements and Other Related Products".Sec. 2. Aim of the Code The aim of the Code is to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants by the protection and promotion of breastfeeding and by ensuring the proper use of breastmilk substitutes and breastmilk supplements when these are necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution.Sec. 3. Scope of the Code The Code applies to the marketing, and practices related thereto, of the following products: breastmilk substitutes, including infant formula; other milk products, foods and beverages, including bottle-fed complementary foods, when marketed or otherwise represented to be suitable, with or without modification, for use as a partial or total replacement of breastmilk; feeding bottles and teats. It also applies to their quality and availability, and to information concerning their use.Sec. 4. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this Code, the following definition of terms shall govern:(a) "Breastmilk Substitute" means any food being marketed or otherwise represented as a partial or total replacement for breastmilk, whether or not suitable for that purpose.(b) "Complementary Food" means any food, whether manufactured or locally prepared, suitable as a complement to breastmilk or to infant formula, when either becomes insufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the infant. Such food is also commonly called "weaning food" or "breastmilk supplement."(c) "Container" means any form of packaging of products for sale as a normal retail unit, including wrappers.(d) "Distributor" means a person, corporation or any other entity in the public or private sector engaged in the business (whether directly or indirectly) of marketing at the wholesale or retail level a product within the scope of this Code. A "primary distributor" is a manufacturer's sales agent, representative, national distributor or broker.(e) "Infant" means a person falling within the age bracket of 0-12 months.(f) "Health care system" means governmental, non-governmental or private institutions or organizations engaged, directly or indirectly, in health care for mothers, infants and pregnant women; and nurseries or child care institutions. It also includes health workers in private practice. For the purpose of this Code, the health care system does not include pharmacies or other established sales outlets.(g) "Health Worker" means a person working in a component of such health care system, whether professional or non-professional, including volunteer workers.(h) "Infant Formula" means a breastmilk substitute formulated industrially in accordance with applicable Codex Alimentarius standards to satisfy the normal nutritional requirements of infants up to between four to six months of age, and adapted to their physiological characteristics. Infant formula may also be prepared at home in which case it is described as "home-prepared".(i) "Label" means any tag, brand, mark, pictorial or other descriptive matter, written, printed, stencilled, marked, embossed or impressed on, or attached to, a container of any product within the scope of this Code.(j) "Manufacturer" means a corporation or other entity in the public or private sector engaged in the business or function (whether directly or through an agent or an entity controlled by or under contract with it) of manufacturing a product within the scope of this Code.(k) "Marketing" means product promotion, distribution, selling, advertising, product public relations, and information services.(l) "Marketing personnel" means any person whose functions involve the marketing of a product or products coming within the scope of this Code.(m) "Sample" means single or small quantities of a product provided without costs.(n) "Supplies" means quantities of a product provided for use over an extended period, free or at a low price, for social purposes, including those provided to families in need.Sec. 5. Information and Education(a) The government shall ensure that objective and consistent information is provided on infant feeding, for use by families and those involved in the field of infant nutrition. This responsibility shall cover the planning, provision, design and dissemination of information, and the control thereof, on infant nutrition.(b) Information and educational materials, whether written, audio, or visual, dealing with the feeding of infants and intended to teach pregnant women and mothers of infants, shall include clear information on all the following points: (1) the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding; (2) maternal nutrition, and the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding; (3) the negative effect on breastfeeding of introducing partial bottle-feeding; (4) the difficulty of reversing the decision not to breastfeed; and (5) where needed, the proper use of infant formula, whether manufactured industrially or home-prepared. When such materials contain information about the use of infant formula, they shall include the social and financial implications of its use; the health hazards of inappropriate foods or feeding methods; and, in particular, the health hazards of unnecessary or improper use of infant formula and other breastmilk substitutes. Such materials shall not use any picture or text which may idealize the use of breastmilk substitutes.Sec. 6. The General Public and Mothers(a) No advertising, promotion or other marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual, for products, within the scope of this Code shall be printed, published, distributed, exhibited and broadcast unless such materials are duly authorized and approved by an inter-agency committee created herein pursuant to the applicable standards provided for in this Code.(b) Manufacturers and distributors shall not be permitted to give, directly, or indirectly, samples and supplies of products within the scope of this Code or gifts of any sort to any member of the general public, including members of their families, to hospitals and other health institutions, as well as to personnel within the health care system, save as otherwise provided in this Code.(c) There shall be no point-of-sale advertising, giving of samples or any other promotion devices to induce sales directly to the consumers at the retail level, such as special displays, discount coupons, premiums, special sales, bonus and tie-in sales for the products within the scope of this Code. This provision shall not restrict the establishment of pricing policies and practices intended to provide products at lower prices on a long term basis.(d) Manufacturers and distributors shall not distribute to pregnant women or mothers of infants any gifts or articles or utensils which may promote the use of breastmilk substitutes or bottle feeding, nor shall any other groups, institutions or individuals distribute such gifts, utensils or products provided by this Code.(e) Marketing personnel shall be prohibited from advertising or promoting in any other manner the products covered by this Code, either directly or indirectly, to pregnant women or with mother of infants, except as otherwise provided by this Code.(f) Nothing herein contained shall prevent donations from manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code upon request by or with the approval of the Ministry of Health.Sec. 7. Health Care System(a) The Ministry of Health shall take appropriate measures to encourage and promote breastfeeding. It shall provide objective and consistent information, training and advice to health workers on infant nutrition, and on their obligations under this Code.(b) No facility of the health care system shall be used for the purpose of promoting infant formula or other products within the scope of this Code. This Code does not, however, preclude the dissemination of information to health professionals as provided in Section 8(b).(c) Facilities of the health care system shall not be used for the display of products within the scope of this Code, or for placards or posters concerning such products.(d) The use by the health care system of "professional service" representatives, "mothercraft nurses" or similar personnel, provided or paid for by manufacturers or distributors, shall not be permitted.(e) In health education classes for mothers and the general public, health workers and community workers shall emphasize the hazards and risks of the improper use of breastmilk substitutes particularly infant formula. Feeding with infant formula shall be demonstrated only to mothers who may not be able to breastfeed for medical or other legitimate reasons.Sec. 8. Health Workers(a) Health workers shall encourage and promote breastfeeding and shall make themselves familiar with objectives and consistent information on maternal and infant nutrition, and with their responsibilities under this Code.(b) Information provided by manufacturers and distributors to health professionals regarding products within the scope of this Code shall be restricted to scientific and factual matters and such information shall not imply or create a belief that bottlefeeding is equivalent or superior to breastfeeding. It shall also include the information specified in Section 5(b).(c) No financial or material inducements to promote products within the scope of this Code shall be offered by manufacturers or distributors to health workers or members of their families, nor shall these be accepted by the health workers or members of their families, except as otherwise provided in Section 8(e).(d) Samples of infant formulas or other products within the scope of this Code, or of equipment or utensils for their preparation or use, shall not be provided to health workers except when necessary for the purpose of professional evaluation or research in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Health. No health workers shall give samples of infant formula to pregnant women and mothers of infants or members of their families.(e) Manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code may assist in the research, scholarships and continuing education, of health professionals, in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Health.Sec. 9. Persons Employed by Manufacturers and Distributors Personnel employed in marketing products within the scope of this Code shall not, as part of their job responsibilities, perform educational functions in relation to pregnant women or mothers of infants.Sec. 10. Containers/Label(a) Containers and/or labels shall be designed to provide the necessary information about the appropriate use of the products, and in such a way as not to discourage breastfeeding.(b) Each container shall have a clear, conspicuous and easily readable and understandable message in Pilipino or English printed on it, or on a label, which message can not readily become separated from it, and which shall include the following points:(i) the words "Important Notice" or their equivalent;(ii) a statement of the superiority of breastfeeding;(iii) a statement that the product shall be used only on the advice of a health worker as to the need for its use and the proper methods of use; and(iv) instructions for appropriate preparation, and a warning against the health hazards of inappropriate preparation.(c) Neither the container nor the label shall have pictures or texts which may idealize the use of infant formula. They may, however, have graphics for easy identification of the product and for illustrating methods of preparation.(d) The term "humanized", maternalized" or similar terms shall not be used.(e) Food products within the scope of this Code marketed for infant feeding, which do not meet all the requirements of an infant formula but which can be modified to do so, shall carry on the label a warning that the unmodified product should not be the sole source of nourishment of an infant.(f) The labels of food products within the scope of this Code shall, in addition to the requirements in the preceding paragraphs, conform with the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Food and Drugs.Sec. 11. Quality(a) The quality of products is an essential element for the protection of the health of infants, and therefore shall be of high recognized standard.(b) Food products within the scope of this Code shall, when sold or otherwise distributed, meet applicable standards recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and also the Codex Code of Hygienic Practice for Foods for Infants and Children.(c) To prevent quality deterioration, adulteration or contamination of food products within the scope of this Code, distribution outlets, including the smallest sari-sari store, shall not be allowed to open cans and boxes for the purpose of retailing them by the cup, bag or in any other form.Sec. 12. Implementation and Monitoring(a) For purposes of Section 6(a) of this Code, an inter-agency committee composed of the following members is hereby created:Minister of Health ........................................... ChairmanMinister of Trade and Industry .......................... MemberMinister of Justice .......................................... MemberMinister of Social Servicesl and Development ... MemberThe members may designate their duly authorized representative to every meeting of the Committee.The Committee shall have the following powers and functions:(1) To review and examine all advertising, promotion or other marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual, on products within the scope of this Code;(2) To approve or disapprove, delete objectionable portions from and prohibit the printing, publication, distribution, exhibition and broadcast of, all advertising promotion or other marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual, on products within the scope of this Code;(3) To prescribe the internal and operational procedure for the exercise of its powers and functions as well as the performance of its duties and responsibilities; and(4) To promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper for the implementation of Section 6(a) of this Code.(b) The Ministry of Health shall be principally responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Code. For this purpose, the Ministry of Health shall have the following powers and functions:(1) To promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper for the implementation of this Code and the accomplishment of its purposes and objectives.(2) To call the assistance of government agencies and the private sector to ensure the implementation and enforcement of, and strict compliance with, the provisions of this Code and the rules and regulations promulgated in accordance herewith.(3) To cause the prosecution of the violators of this Code and other pertinent laws on products covered by this Code.(4) To exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary for or incidental to the attainment of the purposes and objectives of this Code.Sec. 13. Sanctions(a) Any person who violates the provisions of this Code or the rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Code shall, upon conviction, be punished by a penalty of two (2) months to one (1) year imprisonment or a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) nor more than Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) or both. Should the offense be committed by a juridical person, the chairman of the Board of Directors, the president, general manager, or the partners and/or the persons directly responsible therefor, shall be penalized.(b) Any license, permit or authority issued by any government agency to any health worker, distributor, manufacturer, or marketing firm or personnel for the practice of their profession or occupation, or for the pursuit of their business, may, upon recommendation of the Ministry of Health, be suspended or revoked in the event of repeated violations of this Code, or of the rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Code.Sec. 14. Repealing Clause. All laws, orders, issuances, and rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.Sec. 15. Separability Clause. The provisions of this Executive Order are hereby deemed separable. If any provision thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the other provisions which shall remain in full force and effect.Sec. 16. Effectivity This Executive Order shall take effect thirty (30) days following its publication in the Official Gazette.Done in the City of Manila, this 20th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-six.IntroductionOn October 10, 1986, the National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements, and Other Related Products (the Milk Code) was enacted by former President Corazon C. Aquino via Presidential Order No. 51. President Aquino had issued E.O. No. 51 pursuant to her then consolidated legislative and executive emergency powers. In addition, the Milk Code was enacted with the extensive involvement of the United Nations (WHO/UNICEF) in the Philippine national affairs. While the Philippines is apparently one of the best regulatory policies that protect breastfeeding, there are many challenges besetting the Milk Code; as such, court battles between the government and multinational milk companies. Health Assistant Secretary Dr. Elmer G. Punzalan, during the Media Breastfeeding Forum, revealed that mothers stop breastfeeding their babies because of wrong information and misconceptions acquired elsewhere. The purpose of this study is to assert the importance of increasing and sustaining the protection, promotion, and support of breastfeeding in Bacolod City, to improve the health and nutrition, and to reduce the mortality rate of its youngest citizens. We aim to show in our study that the Bureau of Food and Drugs(BFAD) and the Department of Health(DOH) need to ensure that the rules set by the Milk Code are implemented and noncomplying companies be sanctioned for the violations of the said code. In the first part of this study, we provided an overview of current knowledge about breastfeeding. We had presented the benefits and risks of breastmilk, the evolution of recommended breastmilk substitutes, breastmilk supplements, and other related products, and contextualized the guidelines pursuant to the Milk Code. As our methodology applied for this research, a survey was conducted to determine the awareness of women, mothers in particular, about breastfeeding and its health and nutritional claims. The survey includes breastfeeding questions on whether the child was breastfed, for how long was the child breastfed, and how old was the child when he/she was first fed formula among others. Our conclusion was reached by discussing basic research questions pertaining to exclusive breastfeeding promotion, counselling, seminars, and optimal breastfeeding practices. We believe the research efforts outlined here will maximize the initiation of exclusive breastfeeding and will reduce infant mortality. Every mother has a right to breastfeed and every child has a right to be breastfed!No less than the Philippines's Supreme Court has acknowledged that:

"the best nourishment for an infant is mother's milk. There is nothing greater than for a mother to nurture her beloved child straight from her bosom. The ideal is, of course, for each and every Filipino child to enjoy the unequaled benefits of breastmilk."There is an extensive body of research documenting the importance of breastfeeding and in turn the associated risks of formula feeding. Some examples of these research studies were mentioned in a published hand-out entitled, "Risks of Formula Feeding, A Brief Annotated Bibliography" prepared and published by INFACT Canada in November 2002 (Second revision July 2006). Results of the studies are on the following page.Risks of Formula FeedingFor Infants and Children: Asthma, allergy, acute respiratory disease, infection from contaminated formula, nutrient deficiencies, childhood cancers, chronic diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, gastrointestinal infections, mortality, otitis media and ear infections, side effects of environmental contaminants, altered occlusion, and Reduced cognitive developmentFor Mothers Breast cancer, overweight, ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, maternal diabetes, Reduced natural child spacing, Increased stress and anxietyThese are just some of the reasons why it is imperative to protect and promote breastfeeding. Fortunately, there is the "MILK CODE."I. What is the Milk Code?E.O. 51, commonly referred to as, "The Milk Code", is a law that ensures safe and adequate nutrition for infants through the promotion of breastfeeding and the regulation of promotion, distribution, selling, advertising, product public relations, and information services artificial milk formulas and other covered products.II. What products does the Milk Code cover? Breast milk substitutes, including infant formula and milk supplements Foods, beverages, and other milk products (when marketed or represented to be suitable, with or without modification, for use as partial or total replacement for breast milk) Bottle-fed complementary foods Feeding bottles and teats.III. Policies Exclusive breastfeeding is for infants from 0 to 6 months. Breast milk has no substitute or replacement.NOTE: Breastfeeding is best for babies ESPECIALLY during disasters. In addition to breastfeeding, appropriate and safe complementary feeding of infants should start from 6 months onwards. Breastfeeding is still appropriate for children up to 2 years of age and beyond. Infant or milk formula may be harmful to a child's health and may damage a child's formative development. Other related products such as teats, feeding bottles, and artificial feeding paraphernalia are prohibited in health facilities.IV. Rules on donations Donation of products and materials defined and covered by the Milk Code shall be strictly prohibited. Other donations which are given in kind or in cash by milk companies, their agents, and their representatives, must be coursed through the Inter-Agency Committee (IAC) for approval.V. Prohibitions/Violations Advertising, promotion, and other marketing materials that are not approved by the IAC.NOTE: Marketing materials approved by the IAC reflect the IAC approval numbers in this format: IAC EO51 CA No. 10-___ Giving of samples and supplies of covered products to any member of the general public, hospitals, health facilities, personnel within the healthcare system, and members of their families. Point-of-sale advertising, giving of samples, or any promotion devices to induce sales directly to consumers at the retail level (ex. special displays, discount coupons, premiums, rebates, special rates, bonus and tie-in sales, loss-leaders, prizes or gifts). Gifts, articles or utensils [that may promote the use of breast milk substitutes or bottle feeding] given to pregnant women, mother of infants, the general public and all mothers. Direct or indirect promotion of covered products to pregnant women or mothers of infants. Gifts of any sort with or without company name, logo, or brand name, given by milk companies, manufacturers, distributors, and representatives of products covered by the Code, to any member of the general public, hospitals, and other health facilities, including their personnel and members of their families. Promotion of infant formula or other products covered by the Milk Code in the healthcare system. Undermining of breastfeeding (e.g. outright prescribing of infant formula without medical or other legitimate reasons) Display of products covered by the Milk Code or placards and posters concerning such products in a healthcare facility. Using of "professional service" representatives, "mother craft nurses", or similar personnel provided or paid for by manufacturer or distributors of products covered by the Milk Code in the healthcare system. Assistance, logistics, or training, financial or material incentives, or gifts of any sort from milk companies to health workers. Information that implies or creates a belief that bottle feeding is equivalent or superior to breastfeeding. Accepting financial or material incentives or gifts of any sort, from milk companies, by a health worker. Providing samples of infant formula or other covered products, or of equipment and utensils for their preparation or use to health workers. Giving of samples of infant formula to pregnant women and mothers of infants or their family members by a health worker. Health and nutrition claims on labels and in advertisements. False or misleading information or claims on labels and in advertisements. Texts, pictures, illustrations, or information that discourage or seemingly undermine the benefits or superiority of breastfeeding, or that idealize the use of breast milk substitutes and milk supplements.Examples: Pictures of babies and children with their parents, siblings, grandparents, other relatives, or caregivers (yaya). The terms "humanized", "maternalized", "close to mother's milk", or similar words in describing breast milk substitutes or milk supplements. Pictures or texts idealizing the use of infant and milk formula. Opening of cans and boxes in Distribution outlets, including the smallest sari-sari store for the purpose of retailing covered milk products by the cup, bag or in any other form. Containers/Labels that are not compliant to Department Circular No. 2008-0006.VI. Milk Code MonitorAnyone who is committed in protecting and promoting breastfeeding can be a Milk Code monitor.A Milk Code Monitor Monitors compliance and problems encountered in the implementation of the Milk Code Submit reports on the status of the Milk Code implementation to the FDA Verify reports of Milk Code violations Monitors the labels and marketing practices of products within the scope of the Code at various distribution centers Carry out monitoring activities at any time, or based on specific reports/suggestions from the FDA in their respective jurisdictionsVII. ReportingA report of alleged violation should be supported by these items:1. Date and place where the violation was found or seen2. Specific location (health facility, store, TV ad, radio/TV channel)3. For printed matter, get a sample or picture of the violation4. For radio/TV ad or programs, clearly specify the airing time and TV channel or radio frequency5. For website-based violations, provide the web link6. For violative (ex. mislabeled or misbranded) products, a sample shall be purchased, and the receipt obtained and submitted as part of the evidenceVIII. How and where can the reports be given?Written reports1. Submit to the BFAD Central Office at Civic Drive, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, addressed to the Director, or2. Submit to the CHD Offices, addressed to the CHD DirectorB. Telephone reports Report the alleged violation to the BFAD IAC Secretariat at tel. no. 028078386. BFAD Website:www.bfad.gov.ph Supply the information enumerated in VII-A.IX. What sanctions may be imposed on Milk Code violators? Imprisonment of two months to one year. A fine of not less than ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000.00) and not more than THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS (P30,000.00), or Suspension or revocation of license.x. Current EventsWorking Mothers Support Passage of Revised Milk CodeJune07,2014Manila, Philippines - With the battle against infant and young child malnutrition raging on, womens group Working with Working Mothers (WOW-Mothers) fully supports the efforts to revise and reform Executive Order 51, otherwise known as the Milk Code. Since its enactment in 1986, the Milk Code has been at the forefront in the promotion and support of breastfeeding. However, despite its existence for almost three decades now, breastfeeding rates in the country remain low. Clearly, the Milk Code must be able to encourage Filipino mothers to breastfeed while keeping up with the fast-paced lifestyle of today.In the 15th Congress, several bills have been filed to address the problem of low breastfeeding rates. Significantly, these bills recognize that proper education of mothers and pregnant women is vital in ensuring sustained breastfeeding. They also emphasize that breastfeeding is the gold standard of nutrition for infants, while recognizing that the decision to breastfeed should be the mothers alone.This is in line with WOW-Mothers belief that mothers milk is best for babies and that Filipino women also deserve to make informed choices, advocating the right of all women to proper and timely information, especially in matters of nutrition and child-rearing.WOW-Mothers believes that government and society have a responsibility to create conditions that enable us to better perform and balance our roles as women, mothers, and professionals, said WOW-Mothers President Helen Macasaet.In the present, women have grown out of the traditional and solitary role of home-makers and child-rearers as dictated by society for centuries. The women of today have come to establish themselves in the workplace, with many still finding enough time to care for the household the way only mothers can.According to Macasaet, WOW-Mothers sees the necessity of making the Milk Code responsive to the needs of Filipino mothers. We are pleased that the pending bills promote not just breastfeeding, but maternal health as well. It is an instrument for women to make informed choices. We believe it will empower women and help them make educated choices in health and nutrition.Working with Working Mothers, Inc. (WOW-Mothers) is a non-profit organization representing the more than 20 million working women in the Philippines. As an innovative, problem-solver organization, WOW-Mothers upholds every Filipino mothers right to work and care for her family through engagements with leaders in the government and in business.

The Management of National Halal Certification & International Relationship in Halal IndustryFebruary01,2015The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was given a chance to participate in the training programme entitled The Management of National Halal Certification and International Relationship in Halal Industry held on 16 to 29 November 2014 at the Institut Latihan Islam Malaysia (ILIM), Selangor, Malaysia. This training, exclusively organized for the Philippines, was funded by the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Program (MTCP); and attended by one (1) representative from DTI-ARMM, one (1) from DOH-ARMM, two (2) from DA-ARMM, two (2) from DOST-ARMM, two (2) from TESDA, and one (1) from FDA. The training covers Halal guiding principles, Halal ecosystem, established Malaysian Halal standards and regulations, certification process, problems encountered in implementation, and global market potentials for Halal products and services. It also involved visits to establishments producing Halal products (i.e. Ayamas Food Corporation Sdn Bhd, Ramly Food Processing Sdn Bhd, Beryls Chocolate and Confectionery Sdn Bhd, and Pharmaniaga Manufacturing Berhad). The following components of the Malaysian Halal ecosystem were also visited: Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM, Malaysias sole certifying body); Halal Industrial Development Corporation (responsible for promotion of Halal industry); Malaysian Halal Executive Profession Association (responsible for training of Halal Executives); and University of Putra Malaysia (assists in Halal research and development). As a course requirement, the participants submitted an Action Plan that aims to establish the Halal ecosystem for the Philippines. Thus, it is expected that the participants respective agencies/offices will cooperate in the future inter-agency initiatives on the development of Halal ecosystem and promotion of Halal industry in the Philippines.Who's violating the Milk Code?April17,2015byVanessa CabacunganPosted on 05/10/2014 4:50 PM |Updated 05/10/2014 8:40 PM

MILK. The World Health Organization and the Philippine Department of Health encourage mothers to breastfeed. The Milk Code promotes this, but is continuously being violated. Image from ShutterstockMANILA, Philippines Have you ever heard of theMilk Code?Yes, there is a Philippine law on milk.Implemented in 1986, theMilk Code or Executive Order 51ensures the protection of breastfeeding. In the Philippines, it institutionalized theInternational Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substituteswhich is a World Health Organization (WHO) resolution passed in 1981.Breastfeeding plays an important role in reducing infant mortality, according to Dr Anthony Calibo, head of the Philippines Newborn Care Program Family Health Office of the Department of Health (DOH). (READ:Hungry and pregnant in the PH)Calibo emphasized that mostinfant deathsoccur in health facilities where infants were not properly breastfed. (READ:Why you should care about breastfeeding)Undernutritionremains to be the underlying cause of preventable child deaths in the Philippines. (INFOGRAPHIC:Top killer diseases among malnourished kids)As of 2011, a survey conducted by FNRI shows that 20.2% ofchildren below 5 yearsare underweight, while 33.6% arestunted. (READ:Addressing malnutrition in the PH)Poor breastfeeding practices, wherein infants are not exclusively breastfed for birth to 6 months, often lead to the malnourishment of children. (WATCH:Peter Pan and never growing up)Violating the codeHowever, since its implementation, the Milk Code has faced strong opposition from the milk industry and countless of challenges on legislative and local levels.In the past two years, two bills have been passed that significantly weaken the regulations of the Milk Code House Bill 2917by Representative Josephine Veronique Lacson-Noel andSenate Bill 671by Senator Loren Legarda.As a response, 5 new bills presenting improved and comprehensive versions of EO 51 were filed in both Houses during the 16thCongress. These include House Bill 2994 by Representative Philip Pichay and Senate Bill 1303 by Senator Jinggoy Estrada.The latter is considered a good bill but sets prohibitions only for advertising and marketing products intended for infants 0-24 months, and contains inconsistencies within the bill. (READ:Congressmen urged to keep Milk Code intact)According to World Vision, a staunch advocate of breastfeeding, the Philippine government needs to improve the enforcement of the Milk Code instead of repealing its existing provisions.Milk industryMILK INDUSTRY. Some breastfeeding advocates say it is the milk industry that blocks the success of the Milk Code. AFP file photoWHOidentified weak or poor monitoring systems as the key problem in promoting the Milk Code.In the Philippines, the lack of funding makes it difficult to report violations of the Code.Despite having only two reported violations since 2006, hidden violations continue to challenge the popularization of the Milk Code.The milk industry stands as the main opposition to the Milk Code given its strong reliance on consumer recall and awareness to increase its sales, Calibo argued.False promises and claims to the use of formula milk often used in advertising and promotion can greatly influence mothers. (READ:Role of dads in breastfeeding)Calibo explained that health professionals often fall prey to the dirty tactics of milk companies. They receive incentives such as travel, food, and non-monetary items in exchange for the promotion of breast milk substitutes. These violations often go unreported.Few exceptional milk companies do adhere to the Milk Code, but the common rule is to not abide by it, or pretend that the Milk Code does not exist," Calibo said.Advocates like Calibo stressed the need to promotebreast feeding especially during disasters, wherein donations of formula milk are rampant. Such donations run contrary to the "No Milk Donation" provision of the Milk Code.Collective actionMilk Code monitoring is not just the responsibility of the Department of Health (DOH), but the responsibility of the public, Calibo emphasized.If a lot of infants have been put to the breast we would not have wasted lives. A breastfed child is an investment of the country, he added.The DOH urges the public to contribute to the efforts of promoting the protection of breast feeding.Collective efforts, through partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and public vigilance, are the most effective means to protect the Milk Code against violations.The public is encouraged to report violations toMilk Code Philippinesor write directly to the Food and Drug Administration.Ordinary citizens can examine advertisements that undermine breast feeding or give false claims.Moreover, health professionals actively discouraging breast feeding hence violating the code can also be reported by including their name, institution, time and place where the violation was made. Rappler.comWhy protect the Milk Code?April17,2015byMonalinda CadizPosted on 03/31/2014 6:44 PM |Updated 04/04/2014 12:50 AM

BREASTFEEDING. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding with adequate complementary feeding alone were estimated to prevent almost one-fifth of under-five deaths in developing countries like the Philippines. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFPMANILA, Philippines About 3 in every 10 children, aged 6 months to 5 years old, are suffering from chronic undernutrition in areas heavily damaged by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), according to a post-Yolanda nutrition survey.The February to March survey was done by the Nutrition Cluster. It was led by the government, with members from local and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as bilateral organizations responding to Yolanda-hit areas.Chronic undernutrition, otherwise known as "stunting," affects more than just the physical growth of a child.Studies show that if left unsolved, it hinders children from reaching their full potentials. It can damage their cognitive development which affectsschool performance, and later productivity in adult life.Worse,undernutritioncombined with illness and infections is lethal. Afterall, undernutrition contributes to 45% of all under-5 deaths.Preventive measures against stuntingChronic undernutrition is a prolonged case of poor nutrition, starting from pregnancy, up to two years old.(WATCH: Peter Pan and never growing up)Sadly, undernutrition during this period is irreversible.Solving undernutrition for children older than 2 years old will not repair the damage in growth faltering.Thefirst 1,000 days in the life of a childis therefore aptly dubbed the "window of opportunity" because this is when easy and inexpensive sources of infant and young child nutrition can have the most contribution to a childs growth and development.World Vision, through itsChild Health Now Campaign, calls on government to prioritize prevention of undernutrition through effective infant and young child nutrition, particularly for the first 1,000 days.The Child Health Now Campaign is World Visions first global advocacy campaign that aims to contribute to Millennium Development Goal (MDG) 4 which commits to the decrease in preventable child deaths.As undernutrition contributes to nearly half of all preventable child deaths, Child Health Now sees good nutrition as the best start to help children reach their 5th birthday.The latest rate of stunting in the Philippines is at 33.6%, or at least 3 in every 10 children.Child Health Now in the Philippines works with the national and local governments and the nutrition coalition of NGOs for the prevention of chronic undernutrition.The Child Health Now Campaign calls on the Philippine government to: Commit and follow through on the Scale Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement to create an enabling political environment, stronger leadership, and cohesive partnership with nutrition-focused civil society organizations Intensify support to breastfeeding by refusing amendments to the Milk Code (Executive Order 51), and instead, strongly enforce EO 51 Fully engage civil society and communities in the planning, monitoring and quality assurance of health and nutrition servicesMilk CodeMILK CODE. World Vision continues to be vigilant for any attempts of policymakers to amend and water down the Milk Code. Photo from World Vision.The Word Health Organization (WHO) and the Department of Health (DOH) rank breastfeeding as topmost preventive child survival measure to reduce under-5 mortality.Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months and continued breastfeeding with adequate complementary feeding alone were estimated to prevent almost one-fifth of under-5 deaths in developing countries.Children who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life are 14 times more likely to survive than non-breastfed children.However, exclusive breastfeeding in the Philippines is at only 27% in the latest available National Nutritional Survey from 2011.The Milk Code or Executive Order 51, signed by then president Corazon Aquino in 1986, is the law that protects and promotes breastfeeding in the Philippines.It regulates the industry of formula milk and other milk products.While the Philippines has apparently one of the best regulatory policies that protect breastfeeding, there are many challenges besetting the Milk Code, such as court battles between the government and multinational milk companies.The most recent of these are bills passed in both houses of Congress with amended provisions relaxing the regulatory policy, and the attempt to lift the ban on milk donations during the Yolanda relief response at the tail-end of 2013.There were also reported but undocumented incidences of milk donations and blanket distribution of formula milk during the Yolanda relief response.The nutrition survey done 3-4 months after the typhoon notes an alarming rate of 42% of infants less than 6 months of age who were given infant formula on the day before the interview.The rate is higher than the national average of 36% according to the National Nutrition Survey from 2008.It is also reported that about 46% of infants and young children aged 0 to two years old are bottle-fed, reflecting an increase from the 39% regional average of 2011.The Child Health Now campaign works with other NGOs, through the nutrition coalition Koalisyon para Alagaan at Isalba and Nutrisyon (KAIN), and supports the National Nutrition Council (NNC) in enabling prioritization of theInfant and Young Child Nutrition strategy.World Vision is the current convenor of KAIN, and continues to be vigilant for any attempts of policymakers to amend and water down the Milk Code.It also continues to work with NNC for the Philippine government to commit to theScaling Up Nutrition Movement, so the global movement on nutrition may bring value-adding support to in-country nutrition interventions.Child Health Now is also in 5 cities and municipalities piloting a citizen movement that calls on local governments to fulfill their commitment to child nutrition. 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