Sipalay City in Negros Occidental has been recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) as a leader in establishing certified fully compliant mother and baby-friendly workplaces (MBFW) in Negros Island Region (NIR).

Sipalay’s City Hall and Primary Care Facility (PCF) are both the first to be awarded such distinctions among the city halls and PCFs in the newly-formed administrative region after the assessment conducted on May 21.

“We proudly celebrate a remarkable milestone in promoting healthier, more supportive, and people-centered workplaces in the region,” the DOH-NIR said in a statement yesterday.

It commended the officials, employees and staff of Sipalay City Hall and Sipalay City PCF for “their dedication and commitment to creating safe, nurturing and supportive environments for mothers and babies.”

Both have established functional lactation stations, implemented breastfeeding-friendly policies, and shown dedication to the standards of MBFW, it added.

“They have set an inspiring example for other health facilities, offices, and institutions across the region,” the DOH-NIR said.

Among the requirements for MBFW are a well-lighted and clean area, chair or sofa with a backrest spacious enough for at least two to three mothers at the same time, an easily accessible lavatory for handwashing, an electric fan or air-conditioning unit and a cooler, or if feasible, a personal refrigerator solely for expressed breast milk storage. (PNA)