News

CEBU CITY (August 12, 2025) – Adventist Hospital-Cebu joins the nationwide celebration of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month with a special program designed to promote and raise public awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.

Held in accordance with Republic Act 10028 (Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009), the event aims to highlight the theme for 2025: "Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future."

The special program took place this morning in the AH-Cebu lobby. It was attended by breastfeeding and expectant mothers, husbands, hospital staff, and clients with doctor appointments or laboratory and diagnostic checkups.

It featured Dr. Julie Lizza Adlaon, a pediatrician at AH-Cebu, as the guest speaker. During her short lecture, she discussed the benefits of breastfeeding and encouraged mothers to be cooperative and enthusiastic about this vital practice.

Moreover, Dr. Leopoldo D. Pepito, a pediatrician and the chairman of the breastfeeding initiative team at AH-C, also talked about the significance of breastfeeding and its benefits for both mothers and children.

"Breastfed babies are healthier because they receive antibodies during breastfeeding, which help them fight infections. Additionally, breastfeeding is more convenient for mothers compared to formula feeding, which can be quite cumbersome," Pepito explained.

The attendees gained valuable insights from the speakers and received advice from other breastfeeding mothers. They listened to personal experiences shared by different mothers regarding their breastfeeding journeys, raised questions during the open discussion, and expressed their thoughts on various areas related to breastfeeding.

In this celebration, the hospital has emphasized the need for strong, sustainable support systems for breastfeeding mothers to ensure optimal infant nutrition and health.

Juliet Buque, health educator at AH-Cebu, discussed the hospital's ongoing efforts to obtain official accreditation as a mother-baby friendly institution. "I keep praying and hoping that our hospital would become a place where mothers feel welcomed and supported, particularly breastfeeding mothers who seek encouragement."

Dr. DeLore Flores, a physician, shared her breastfeeding journey, including the challenges she faced as a new mother. "It was not easy at first, but I tried hard to learn. Now, I can say that it has been one of my most wonderful and rewarding experiences," Flores explained.

AH-Cebu appreciated the presence and participation of the mothers, which contributed to an enjoyable and memorable experience. On the other hand, the attendees brought home valuable learnings that would inspire them to embrace breastfeeding.