Press Release
March 8, 2007

ANGARA CITES BREASTFEEDING PROGRAM

DIPOLOG CITY --- Reelectionist Sen. Edgardo J. Angara is pressing for an intensified breastfeeding program in the country "for a healthier Philippines."

Angara, the guest speaker at a conference here of the National Council of Women of the Philippines, said that the role of women in nation-building could be enhanced by practicing breastfeeding.

"Breast-fed babies generally grow to be more healthy and more intelligent. Breastfeeding also fosters a closer bond between mother and baby," he stressed.

Angara, who is seeking his fourth term as candidate of Team Unity, added that breastfeeding is one of the best natural means of birth control.

"You can't give birth every year if you are breastfeeding," he noted.

Angara was principal author of the law on breastfeeding enacted in 1992. The World Health Organization had cited the Angara law for making the Philippines the first country with such a law.

Among the laws enhancing health services that Angara has authored are the Generic Drugs Act that seeks to lower the cost of drugs, and the Philhealth law. He is proposing to amend the later law by expanding its coverage to include about four million senior citizens who were never members of the Government Service Insurance System and the Social Security System.

He is also proposing that even ailments and surgical operations like cataract removal that do not need confinement in hospital be covered by health insurance. At present, Philhealth covers only those ailments that require hospital confinement.

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