The Makati Administrative Office of Nestlé Philippines was recently certified as a Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace. The certification is awarded to an organization that ensures the promotion and practice of breastfeeding by providing healthy and safe working conditions for women through the establishment of a lactation station or facility. This was announced during an unveiling ceremony attended by Makati City Mayor Abby Binay at Rockwell Center, Makati City.
“Nestlé Philippines is proud to have its Makati Administrative Office certified as a Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace. We deliver on our company’s purpose to enhance quality of life and contribute to a healthier future, beginning with our very own employees. We have programs that help our employees who are working mothers find fulfilment both in the workplace and at home, and support them in their goal of raising happy, healthy children,” said Kais Marzouki, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Philippines.
The unveiling of the Mother-Baby Friendly Workplace certification was done during the inauguration of the company’s newly-renovated Breastfeeding Room. Republic Act No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 requires all health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions to establish lactation stations with the necessary equipment and facilities for the use of breastfeeding mothers. While the Breastfeeding Room was built for the use of the employees of Nestlé Philippines, the room is also open for visitors and guests who are breastfeeding.
Having access to a Breastfeeding Room and paid lactation breaks are two of the many benefits Nestlé Philippines offers its women employees. The company also reimburses its employees for expenses related to their breastfeeding journey, such as breast pump and lactation aids. Even prior to the passing of Republic Act No. 11210 or the 105-Day Expanded Maternity Leave Law, Nestlé Philippines already allows its employees to take three months and two weeks (or 105 days) of paid maternity leave, with the option of extending by three more months without pay.
In addition, Nestlé Philippines also has a Day Care Center in its Makati Administrative Office for the young children of its employees.
After the unveiling ceremony, employees were treated to enriching talks about motherhood by guest speakers, Mamacademy founder Kaye Ang and trained lactation consultant Ms. Venus Peña.