28/08/2026
In a landmark effort to advance maternal and child health, the Philippine Nurses Association (PNA) La Union Chapter joined forces with the Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center (ITRMC) and the Provincial Government of La Union through the Provincial Health Office (PHO) for the first Milk Letting Activity in La Union and Region 1. Conceptualized by the ITRMC - Neonatal Center and the ITRMC Human Milk Bank, this historic initiative was officially piloted through the PHO at Naguilian District Hospital (NDH) and Balaoan District Hospital (BLDH). The collaborative program marks a monumental stride forward in establishing structured, community-based donor networks to safeguard fragile newborn lives across the province.
With the support and leadership of Dr. Unity H. Cortez, Medical Center Chief II of ITRMC, the event was spearheaded by Dr. Maria Theresa Concepcion V. Zubiri, Pediatric Neonatologist at ITRMC, who led the clinical ex*****on of the campaign alongside Dr. Herminigildo M. Velasco, PHO II of the Provincial Government of La Union. Nurse Anna Glenn C. Rosal, PNA La Union Chapter President and Nurse IV of ITRMC, championed the nursing sector's involvement together with PNA Treasurer Dr. Jeffrey B. Julian, Section Chief of the PHO, and Board of Directors member Nurse Claire V. Ramirez of BLDH and Nurse Beberly L. Picardal of NDH with Ma. Dahpnie Aleta - MNCHN Program Manager of PHO. Amplifying the reach of this multi-sectoral alliance were key collaborating partners, including the Philippine Pediatric Society - Northern Luzon Chapter, the La Union Medical Society, the Rotary Club of San Fernando - La Union, and the Association of Nursing Service Administrators of the Philippines (ANSAP) - La Union Chapter, demonstrating unified leadership across medical, nursing, and civic communities.
Milk letting activities serve as a vital lifeline by securing safe, pasteurized donor human milk for premature, low-birth-weight, and critically ill neonates who lack immediate access to their mothers' milk, supplying key immunological defenses against severe conditions like necrotizing enterocolitis. Beyond hospital nurseries, human milk banks play a critical role during natural disasters, public health emergencies, and community displacements where electricity, clean water, and safe formula preparation are severely compromised, guaranteeing that infants receive lifesaving nutrition without exposure to contaminated water or unsafe feeding substitutes. By uniting regional medical centers, local government units, professional medical and nursing societies, and community service organizations, this pioneering activity sets a new benchmark for integrated healthcare in Region 1โlaying a strong foundation for a sustainable, province-wide human milk donation network that will protect La Unionโs youngest and most fragile lives for years to come.
