Manila: Business establishments and offices in Antique are encouraged to establish a breastfeeding room to accommodate lactating moms while outside of their homes. Antique Provincial Nutrition Action Officer designate Irene Duldoco, in an interview on Thursday, emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months as part of the first 1,000 days of babies, crucial to their development.

According to Philippines News Agency, Duldoco stated that exclusive breastfeeding in the initial six months of an infant's life is vital in preventing malnutrition. She highlighted that malnutrition during the first 1,000 days could adversely affect infants' intelligence quotient. Duldoco advised that parents could introduce mashed vegetables, potatoes, and beans as complementary foods at six months, alongside continued breastfeeding.

Duldoco pointed out that currently, only a few establishments, malls, and offices in Antique have dedicated breastfeeding rooms. She mentioned that they will monitor these entities' compliance with Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act and the Department of Health guidelines, which mandate functional, private, and sanitary breastfeeding rooms.

By advocating for exclusive breastfeeding, Duldoco believes it could significantly reduce the malnutrition rate within the province. The Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) data showed that in 2025, Antique had a 5.5 percent prevalence rate for underweight and severe underweight among children aged zero to 59 months, 9.5 percent for stunting and severe stunting, 2.6 percent for overweight and obesity, and 1.3 percent for moderate and severe wasting.

This advocacy aligns with the national observance of the 52nd Nutrition Month celebrated in July in Antique.