Social worker Evalinda Jimeno of Zamboanga Sibugay earned  the admiration of thousands of evacuees at the Joaquin F. Enriquez, Jr. Sports Complex or grandstand in Zamboanga City when she offered herself to breastfeed hungry babies in between her task of registering  evacuees for the family access card.

Jimeno is a lactating mother who chose to share her breastmilk to babies in dire need of milk. In front of evacuees, she willingly took one baby at a time and breastfed them, without  any inhibitions.

Jimeno said that although the Department has enough supply of milk for children 0-6 years old she emphasized that “ breastmilk is still the best, so mothers must be encouraged to continue breastfeeding.”

“I hope that my simple act of breastfeeding will make them realize that babies need a mother’s milk,” Jimeno further said.  Jimeno shared that she breastfed all her children including the youngest who is six months old.

“As social workers, we should continue to explore all possible interventions to cater to the needs of clients especially during critical times, such as this,” Jimeno said.  Jimeno was referring to the on-going clash between  government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari faction.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman agreed with Jimeno on the importance of giving breastmilk to infants.

“We set-up a Women Friendly Space  at the evacuation center where mothers can breastfeed their babies. We also continue to provide feeding to lactating mothers to help them produce their own milk,” Secretary Soliman added.

Secretary Soliman said that there are presently 22 lactating mothers at the grandstand evacuation center. ### (DSWD-Social Marketing Service) September 21, 2013.