Should you donate formula milk for COVID-19 relief?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation in the Philippines has affected the income of many Filipinos, especially parents who need to buy formula milk for their growing children.

In an episode of “Stand For Truth,” GMA Public Affairs spoke to Jhean Rivera, a part-time cleaner who went viral after posting about her baby who had nothing else to drink but rice coffee.

The mother was thankful to receive donations from netizens who wanted to help, but some netizens pointed out that milk formula donations are prohibited in accordance to Executive Order 51 or the Philippine Milk Code.

In the report, San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Donya Tesoro said the demand for baby milk has also become a growing concern in their town, but a “temporary solution” is in place.

“Nakita ko yung situation. It’s not feasible for breastfeeding drive or to promote re-lactation. Sa ganitong pagkakakataon, we have to look for a temporary solution,” the mayor said.

“So sinabi ko dun sa mga health workers namin, to tap these people who reached out to us. Interview them, maiintindihan naman po ng DOH and ng National Nutrition Council, sinabi naman nila sa 'min na, as long as we identify talaga.”

Dr. Anthony Calibo, OIC of the Department of Health (DOH) Children's Health Division, also clarified:

“Yung LGU naman, kung bibili po sila ng gatas, hindi kinakailangang mabigyan lahat ng baby, less than 6 months. Wala naman po yang permit na kakailanganin. Magi-inform lang po sila sa DOH Regional office,” he said.

“Pero ‘yung mga private individuals na plano pong mag-donate ng milk formula, ‘yan po ay kinakailangang dumaan po sa DOH, lalong lalo na po kung ang private individuals na to ay mga milk companies o kaya naman po, mga NGOs.” — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News