In Cotabato City, the Ministry of Health, with help from groups like World Vision, has set up a breastmilk storage facility to support babies who can’t be nursed by their mothers. This started when health workers needed breastmilk for a malnourished baby, and they began finding donors daily. Now, the facility serves not just Cotabato City but also nearby areas, helping orphaned, malnourished, and premature babies. Before donating, mothers undergo strict safety checks, including HIV and syphilis testing. The milk is carefully labeled with the donor's name and the baby’s gender, respecting Islamic beliefs that milk-sharing creates a sibling bond. As one donor explained, “In Islam, we believe that once you breastfeed another child, that child is considered your own, and they become like a sibling to your child.”

While some mothers hesitated at first due to religious beliefs, advocacy efforts and a statement from the BARMM Darul Ifta eased concerns, allowing the program to grow. One mother shared her motivation to donate, saying, “Children deserve to receive milk, especially those who no longer have parents.” Another mother described the emotional connection to the program: “When I had my first baby, I didn’t produce any milk… Now I have the opportunity to help other babies who don’t have milk from their mothers.” This facility has already made a big impact, and with plans to expand into a full breastmilk bank, it aims to save even more lives in the future.

Just a year ago, this was an old, rundown health center where mothers came for check-ups. Listening to the concerns of the community revealed an opportunity to create something truly unique. Over the past year, dedicated efforts have transformed this space, and today it stands as a game-changing facility for the city.

This new breast milk bank will serve hundreds of mothers and babies not just across Cotabato City, but also in neighbouring provinces.

The facility will provide safe breast milk to infants in critical situations—whether born prematurely, suffering from illness, or affected by disasters. Breast milk offers essential nourishment during the first six months of life, which is crucial for survival and development.

Johaira, a mother and proud donor at the breast milk bank, shared her experience:

"It feels really good because, as a mommy, I can also feel what it's like for a mother whose baby doesn't have milk to drink. When I had my first baby, I didn't produce any milk, and my baby was crying. I was so worried and hurt because my baby was hungry and had nothing to drink."

 Today, Johaira is giving back by helping other babies, especially those in need. "Now, I have the opportunity to help other babies who don't have milk from their mothers—especially those whose mothers passed away during labour, or those who are sick, malnourished, and even premature."

This initiative is made possible through the collective effort of the community and dedicated partners. Kathleen Claire, a nutritionist-dietitian, explains the significance:

"Actually, we suggested this area because it’s isolated. It was discussed that World Vision would establish a facility here because they’re far from the town, far from the hospital, and the distance between the barangays is quite large, so the facility was built here. This facility isn’t just for this community; it can serve areas outside Cotabato City and neighbouring provinces."

 Bai Tayan, another donor, shared:

"I am happy because, through something small like this, we can help children who need milk." Though initially hesitant, Bai says, "As Muslims, we need our husband's consent. But when he said it was okay, I felt really willing to do it." She also pointed out how she has seen similar programs before, noting, "I’ve seen programs like this where breast milk donations are made, like the one with Marian Rivera, a famous actress."

 his facility is not only providing immediate assistance but also creating a lasting impact. Kathleen adds, "Now that we have this facility, even big hospitals like CRMC, and neighbouring hospitals, come to us for breast milk because we have this facility, thanks to our partners."

 This success is a testament to the power of teamwork and collaboration. Heartfelt gratitude is extended to all partners, the community, and everyone who contributed to making this initiative possible, creating a lasting impact on the lives of mothers and babies.

 Currently, the facility is a ‘breast milk storage facility,’ awaiting specific required equipment, but it will soon be a fully operational breast milk bank.