Calgary, 6 September 2023 – In a pioneering move, the Philippine Consulate General (PCG) in Calgary opened its first-ever Lactation and Child-Friendly Space. 

 

Taking into account women’s maternal functions, the PCG has come up with this facility that allows its consular clients to care for their infants and children in the privacy of a dedicated room. 

 

“The opening of our Lactation and Child-Friendly Space inside the PCG is in accordance with Republic Act No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009. It is also part of our Gender and Development (GAD) program,” said Consul General Zaldy Patron.

 

“This latest PCG project aims to protect and promote the welfare of working women by providing safe and healthful working conditions for lactating mothers and young children while they are inside the PCG,”  Consul General Patron added.

 

Found inside the Lactation and Child-Friendly Space of the PCG are Filipino language story books donated by PCG personnel. The books are meant to encourage second generation Filipino-Canadians to read stories by Filipino authors. 

 

Age-appropriate toys also make the space fun for young children.  Breastfeeding pillows and toddler chairs are available as well.

The Lactation and Child-Friendly Space is consistent with international treaties and conventions to which the Philippines is a signatory, such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), which emphasizes provision of necessary supporting social services to enable parents to combine family obligations with work responsibilities; the Beijing Platform for Action and Strategic Objective, which promotes harmonization of work and family responsibilities for women and men; and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which recognizes a child’s inherent right to life and the State’s obligations to ensure the child’s survival and development. 

 

One of the parents said, “Salamat naman po at meron na po kayong ganitong space para sa mga bata. Ang laking tulong po talaga, lalo na malayo pa po biyahe namin galing sa Saskatchewan. Nakapagpahinga at nagbasa po mga anak ko habang naghihintay sa passport renewal namin. (I am thankful that you already have a space like this for kids. It is a big help, especially because we traveled all the way from Saskatchewan. My kids were able to read and rest while waiting for our passport renewal).”