IN its thrust to become the world’s friendliest airport, GMR MEGAWIDE Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC) announced last May 19, Monday, the opening of the Breastfeeding Room at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA).
The permanent location is situated right after the Final Security Check at the Departures level catering to the nursing needs of traveling mothers for both domestic and international passengers.
The room features 4 private nursing cubicles complete with a couch and a foot stool on each cubicle; 1 sink; 2 baby changing tables with side tables each; a microwave; and a push-button sliding door for ease and comfort.
“The opening of our Breastfeeding Room is our way of giving importance and convenience to the needs of our traveling mothers. This is also in compliance with the law mandating the establishment of breastfeeding stations in airports nationwide,” said Estee Marie P. Plunket, GMCAC Head of Corporate Affairs.
Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009, which requires the establishment of lactation stations in all health and non-health facilities, institutions and establishments.
According to UNICEF, early and exclusive breastfeeding significantly reduces neonatal mortality, supports healthy brain development, cognitive performance and better educational achievement at age five.
Meanwhile, GMCAC stands firm on its mandate to provide women-responsive and children-friendly facilities. For instance, the company is installing a cubicle for children inside the newly renovated washrooms complete with a children’s urinal and toilet.
GMCAC is targeting to develop MCIA, the country’s second busiest gateway, into one of the country’s next travel and lifestyle destination pouring more investments for commercial and retail projects. /PR