Quezon City Human Milk Bank Extends Support Beyond City Limits

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The Quezon City Human Milk Bank (QCHMB) expanded its services in 2025 to provide pasteurized human milk to newborns outside Quezon City, reaching infants in various cities and provinces. Last year, 56% of the distributed milk served infants beyond Quezon City, indicating a widening scope of aid. The milk bank assists infants whose mothers face challenges such as medical conditions or lactation issues.

In 2025, QCHMB helped 496 infants by dispensing 738,670 milliliters of pasteurized human milk. The city attributes this extended support to successful nutrition and lactation programs that help local mothers meet their infants' needs without external help. The milk bank’s initiative supported areas including Manila, Mandaluyong, Bulacan, Caloocan, Makati, and Rizal, reflecting a robust intercity network.

Mayor Joy Belmonte expressed pride in expanding aid, emphasizing a commitment to public health that transcends city borders. The operations were bolstered by 3,315 donors, contributing 662,505 milliliters of milk. Efforts to collect donations included walk-ins, organized milk-letting events, and home pick-ups.

The milk bank conducts strict screening and pasteurization of all milk donated primarily at the Quezon City General Hospital and Novaliches District Hospital, ensuring safe consumption. Prospective donors undergo free screening for HIV, Hepatitis B, and Syphilis, ensuring high safety standards, reported Manila Bulletin.

Key Takeaways

• QCHMB distributed more than half of its human milk to areas outside Quezon City.

• The success of local nutrition programs attributed to fewer local beneficiaries.

• Operations were supported by over 3,300 donors, ensuring safe milk for infants.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from Manila Bulletin 2026-02-09