Section 11. Nutrition in the Aftermath of Natural Disasters and Calamities.— Areas that are affected by disasters and emergency situations, both natural and man-made must be prioritized in the delivery of health and nutrition services, and psychosocial services interventions. NGAs and LGUs are mandated to immediately provide emergency services, food supplies for proper nourishment of pregnant and lactating mothers, and children, specifically those from zero (0) to two (2) years old. Women, infant and child-friendly spaces shall be prepared and ready to accommodate women and their children, provide their daily necessities such as food, clothing, clean water, and shelter; readily available breastfeeding support and counselling for those with children up to two (2) years or beyond, as well as provision and guidance on the appropriate complementary food for children over six (6) months old.

Donations of milk formula, breastmilk substitutes, and/or products covered by the Milk Code without the approval of the Inter-Agency Committee (LAC) created under Executive Order No. 51, Series of 1986, shall be prohibited in order to protect the health and nutrition of pregnant and lactating women, infants and young children before, during and after a disaster.

In emergency situations, donations or assistance from the private sector, with no conflicts of interest or those not involved with manufacture, marketing, and sales of products covered by the scope of the Milk Code, shall be allowed immediately in the aftermath of natural disasters and calamities. Strict compliance with the Milk Code and its revised implementing rules and regulations (IRR) shall be observed, and options for mothers with breastfeeding problems will be provided, such as, but not limited to, the mobilization of breastfeeding support groups or strategic establishment of local milk banks

The DOH and other relevant departments, in coordination with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), shall formulate guidelines and mechanisms in pursuit of this section, taking into consideration humanitarian, inclusive, gender and culture-sensitive standards for the protection of children, pregnant and lactating mothers, in accordance with Republic Act No. 10821, otherwise known as the “Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act”, its implementing rules and regulations, and the Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children.