Lactation Room opens at BukSU main campus to support mothers

Bukidnon State University (BukSU) has opened a lactation room at the main campus, offering students, employees, and visitors a dedicated space for breastfeeding, milk expression and storage.

The initiative complies with Republic Act No. 10028, or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009.

The facility, located at the ELS Building, provides seating, small tables, electrical outlets for breast pumps, lavatories for handwashing, a refrigeration unit for breastmilk storage, a manual breast pump, and a medicine cabinet.

For BukSU personnel Mary Ann S. Suello, who is expecting her first child, the presence of the facility offers assurance as she prepares to balance motherhood and work. “Having a lactating room inside the campus will be convenient for me being a working mom,” Suello said.

She explained that the room will help her manage breastfeeding and milk expression while continuing her professional responsibilities. “It means I don’t have to choose between work and caring for my baby. I can do both with dignity and support,” she added.

Dr. Rea Rita R. Muegue, Director of the Human Resource Management Unit, said the university is aligning with provisions in the law that grant lactation breaks.

“To further support lactating employees, BukSU recognizes the provision of Republic Act No. 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 particularly on giving breastfeeding mothers lactation breaks of not less than 40 minutes per 8-hour work period, in addition to their regular meal breaks,” Muegue said.

The university also runs information campaigns and counseling sessions to foster awareness and support for breastfeeding.

Dr. Carina Joane V. Barroso, Vice President for Research, Extension, and Innovations, said the lactation room is intended not only for employees but also for students and members of the community.

“Finally, we have our lactation room for our reproductive mothers. They have a space where they can have their lactation. We believe that our breastmilk is additional life to the babies that we have,” Barroso said.

She added that the room also reduces stress for parents who bring their children to campus.

Dr. Marichu B. Montecillo, Director of the University Gender Resource Center, said the initiative seeks to address the well-being of employees.

“Aside from being compliant to the law, we go beyond compliance because BukSU is committed to be gender responsive. It’s very important because it’s addressing the well-being of our personnel, especially our lactating moms,” Montecillo said.

Meanwhile, University President Dr. Joy M. Mirasol described the lactation room as part of BukSU’s effort to support parents.

“This space is a symbol of care, comfort, and dignity for all mothers who need a space to nurture their little ones while finding comfort,” Mirasol said. “This room acknowledges the sacrifices, honors the nurturing role, and provides the mothers with the privacy and support they truly deserve.”

She added that initiatives like the lactation room show the institution’s commitment to community well-being. “By supporting breastfeeding mothers, we not only nurture life today but also invest in the future of our community,” Mirasol said. Similar lactation facilities will also be established at the university’s EduHub campus and on its satellite campuses to extend support for mothers across its academic network.(Dr. Joanna Ruth S. Paloma, Faculty/ Head, IU Management Staff)