CGMA Proposes 4-Month Maternity Leave in Congress

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MANILA, Philippines - From 60 days of maternity leave, a bill filed by the mother-son tandem of Representatives Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District, Pampanga) and Diosdado Macapagal-Arroyo (2nd District, Camarines Sur) would extend the period to 120 days.

House Bill 6128 seeks to give mothers more time to breastfeed their children. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO) say it would be ideal if mothers could breastfeed their babies for at least six months after birth. "This will give mother and child quality time for bonding while at the same time ensuring the child's proper growth and development," the Arroyos said.

Longer breastfeeding time, along with more time for mothers to care for infants, is deemed crucial to increasing the chances for survival of infants and children under 5-years-old. The UNICEF's data on under-five mortality rates around the world ranks the Philippines 88th among 190 countries. This can and should be improved, the Arroyos said.

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Source & Image Credit: Interaksyon and Philippine Daily Inquirer and Everything in Budget Blogspot

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