UNICEF's Video on Children's Rights

Please take time to watch this beautiful video. It won't take too much of your time, it's only a 90-second ad.

Just click this link below.

UNICEF "Lipad" TVC90s

This magnificent 90-second TV commercial gives a fresh perspective to children's rights, different from the Bantay-Bata ads shown in ABS-CBN channels. In the recent bi-annual Araw Awards, the Philippine Advertising Industry gave this TV ad the Platinum Award for values in advertising. Unfortunately, very few have seen it. It needs TV stations that would give it pro-bono airtime exposure.


Message from the Creative Team:

We're sick of having children portrayed as victims. No matter how creatively done, too much communication asking for an end to violence against children is done from a victim perspective. Not the best way to go about solving the problem, we felt. Specially not in a world where displays of weakness invite more harm than sympathy and protection. So we at DentsuINDIO figured to turn the perspective around. Literally as well as figuratively. Instead of talking about Violence Against Children, we said, let's make Children Against Violence happen. A more active stance. A definite stand. A hopefully communal declaration that children are fed up with the shit adults dish out and are ready to do something about it.

DentsuIndio

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CREDITS

Directed By: Henry Frejas
Agency Producer: Telly Arce
Production House: Filmex
ECD: Lawin Bulatao
Copy: Aste Gutierrez & Lawin Bulatao
Art Direction: Milton Ganelo


Excerpts from the article of Nanette A. Franco-Diyco of the BusinessWorld Weekender:

Lawin Bulatao, Dentsu Indio executive creative director, explained the creative progression as beginning from the client’s briefing. Advocacies on children’s abuse predictably dwell on the victimized children and the brutalities foisted on them by a cruel world. This time around, Dentsu Indio and UNICEF fully treaded the path of unpredictability. Children from all walks of life were made to wage the war against violence.


Different kids are shown spouting their own respective wishes, as they each fly their own planes symbolic of their wishes rising for someone to catch and hopefully grant. The commercial is in beautiful Tagalog that wrenches your heart in its simplicity. Good copywriting here.

The paper plane is the unifying thread from start to finish. Great choice of mnemonic device, so natural to the children while being visually enriching to the commercial itself. In translation, "I wish they stopped hitting me. I wish they stopped locking me up in my room. I wish they stopped calling me stupid. I wish they stopped calling me lazy. I wish they stopped banging my head against the wall. I wish they stopped using me as an ashtray. I wish I didn’t have to stand in the corner again. I wish they would stop slapping me around. I wish I didn’t have to work in a factory anymore. I wish I could go back to school again." The final frame has dozens of different kids flying paper planes (a total of 10,000 paper planes were made to fly by the agency and production teams!) as they climb up a hill. Then it ends with a beautiful Tanay sunset, as the commercial ends, too, with its final wish, "I wish this reaches you."

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The executive creative director is the son of my friend/colleague/mentor.

TESS. LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS A BED OF ROSES.

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JUSTICE RECLAIMED

December 18, Breakfast after the mass, EDSA Shrine


December 18, Thanksgiving Mass and send-off to Banasi Farmers,
EDSA Shrine with Bishop Pabillo as celebrant

December 2 at the Caritas-Manila grounds
where the farmers stayed

December 1, at the Baclaran Church

December 1, At the Las Pinas Church

Statement of the Banasi Farmers on the
Recognition of the DAR and the Office of the President of their Right to their Land



We, the farmers from Sitio Banasi, Barangay Pawili, Bula, Camarines Sur, embark on our victorious journey back home, secure in a triumph that was sealed by the Decision handed to us by the Department of Agrarian Reform on December 19,2008. It is both heartening and gratifying that the DAR, through an order from the Office of the President, promptly re-examined the facts of our case, and duly decided in accordance with law.

The Decision, signed by DAR Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, complies with the remand Order of the Office of the President, which gave authority to the DAR to come out with findings, evaluation, and decision that is final and that terminate all actions against the validity of the coverage of our land under agrarian reform, as well as baseless questions on the validity of the Certificates of Land Ownership Award given to us by this government.

The Decision through the Order of the DAR recognizes us as the legitimate tillers of the 123 hectares of land that is the subject of our case. Our standing as proper parties to the case filed by Edilberto Fajardo, Corazon de la Providence, and Augustia Imperial was duly acknowledged, and our Motion for Intervention was given due course. The Decision also states in clear and indisputable terms that our land was placed under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program in 1995 through a process that was both substantively and procedurally sound. Consequently, Certificates of Land Ownership Award were duly distributed to fifty-seven Banasi farmers on February 1998.

The DAR and the Office of the President also stood firm on their declaration that the character of the land as pasture land no longer exists, a finding that is based on no less than actual ocular inspections reflected in investigation reports issued in 1995 and 1998. Once again, the Decision affirmed that the land was and continues to be devoted to agriculture, and is therefore not exempt from CARP.

Through the Order, it is now beyond question that the land, our land, is agricultural nad should remain under CARP coverage. It is also beyond question that from now on, we can be secure in our ownership of the land, bearing CLOAs that are valid and certainly indefeasible.

We return to our land with this Order and the commitment of DAR Secretary Pangandaman and Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III that they will immediately dismiss all actions that will disturb our rightful ownership to the land as this Order rightfully serves as the reversal of the Order issued by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita on February 7, 2007. We will come home to our fellow farmers and families with the good news that the DAR and the Office of the President granted our plea for the reversal of the Ermita Order.

We hold on to this Order as sufficient basis for the dismissal of all other baseless and frivolous harassment cases filed against us in relation to the classification and rightful ownership of our land.

With the success of our month-long walk, we remain in solidarity with the farmes of Baha and Talibayog in Calatagan, Yulo estate, Arroyo lands in Negros and Bondoc Peninsula who are battling for their land rights. We call on the government to promptly decide on their cases with a clear view of social justice. We offer our success and our consequent struggles to the eventual success of agrarian reform in our country. Together with other farmers who continue to struggle to claim agricultural lands that are rightfully theirs, we will strongly ursue the enactment for the passage of a law that will extend and reform CARP. Our zeal will never wane despite the lack of political will and the inability of Congress to respond to the call of the rural poor.

We extend our profuse gratitude to all who walked with us in our pursuit of justice, especially the Church for the continuous outpouring of physical and spiritual nourishment. Be assured that our efforts will not go to waste; we will continue to fight for our right to our precious land. We also thank the DAR and the Office of the President for upholding our rights in this particular case. We trust that from now on, we could count on you in our continued defense of our right to the land.

We salute all who continue to stand for the rights of the Filipino farmer.

Banasi Agrarian REform Bneficiaries Association (BARFBA)

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45 Banasi Farmers March to Malacanang to Preserve their Rights to the Land

45 Farmers from the former 124 hectare-Fajardo Estate in Sitio Banasi, Pawili, Bula, Camarines Sur are marching to Malacanang to ask the President to reverse the decision of Executive Secretary Ermita to exempt the land from CARP coverage and order the cancellation of the title awarded to the farmers on the ground that the property is a pasture land. (More than 100 hectares were actually planted to sugarcane, rice, and corn when the field investigation was conducted by DAR and Land Bank. )

DAR awarded the title on March 1998, after more than five years of documentation and processing which started in 1993. The delay was caused by the landowners' resistance. Even when the farmers already had the title, it still took another three months before they could take physical possession of the land and cultivate it. The landowners posted armed security guards at the gate to prevent the farmers and DAR from entering the property. DAR had to seek the assistance of the PNP Provincial Command to be able to install the farmers, which was unsuccessful on the first attempt, but successful on the second attempt.

After installation, the landowners did not stop from their efforts to retain the property. Several cases were filed against the farmers and DAR officials. (I was the provincial agrarian reform officer then, and the landowners filed cases against me before the Ombudsman, Civil Service, DAR and Office of the President, and the Regional Trial Court). The administrative case took five years to resolve (1998-2003, and I was initially found guilty and dismissed from service - but I wasn't connected with the government by then, since I resigned in 2000. My motion for reconsideration was, however, granted.) The civil case took 7 years to resolve (1998-2005). I won the case with finality when the Court of Appeals dismissed the landowners' appeal. The Ombudsman and Civil Service cases were dismissed for lack of merit. Ejectment case was filed against the farmers.

But the worst development came last April when the Office of the President ruled in favor of the landowners in their petition for exemption. That's ten years from the time the land was awarded to the farmers. The affected farmers were not even impleaded in the case which was filed only against the DAR. Thus, they did not even have the chance to defend their position. It would be a grave injustice to the farmers if they would be driven out of the land already awarded to them.

We hope that just like in the case of the Sumilao farmers of Bukidnon, this will have a positive resolution.

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A Plug for Storyline

If you’re already at home on Fridays at 6 pm, please watch “Storyline”. It’s a new TV show at the ANC (ABS News Channel) written and produced by Patricia Evangelista, the first Filipino to win the public speaking contest at UK (the same contest recently won by Gian Karlo Dapul) and directed by Paolo Villaluna, an indie film maker. I can assure you, you’re time will not be wasted.

I watched the replay of the premier telecast last Sunday, 3:30 pm and I’d like to congratulate Patricia and Paolo for the very inspiring narratives. I liked all three stories/narratives which all tackled dedication and commitment to one’s job (the fireman), and commitment to serve others without asking for anything in return but the satisfaction that you have helped other people (the fire volunteers and the hopia king). These are stories of truly being a “Man for Others”. Parang Atenista, di ba Bert? I’m raring to see the next episode. Please do watch it.

You can view the short video clip above from the You Tube.

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PETA, An Irrelevant Advocacy in the Philippines

No, I’m not promoting the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). On the contrary, I think it’s an inappropriate, irrelevant, and a misplaced advocacy in a third world country such as the Philippines.

Last Friday, three women, an American, Canadian, and a Filipino, with only lettuce leaves covering their private parts, demonstrated outside the Quiapo Church at noon, carrying placards which said “SAVE THE PLANET, GO VEGETARIAN.”; “ILIGTAS ANG MUNDO, MAGING VEGETARIAN”. Of course, they attracted the noonday crowd who were ready to eat the lettuce, and more…. These women and their support group should have been hauled right into the prison cell. Why, choose Quiapo church of all places? Whom were they trying to convince to become vegetarians, the masses in Plaza Miranda? Many are in fact going hungry and wouldn’t mind eating “animals” or “plants”, whichever would be available at affordable prices.

PETA is a first world invention, an advocacy which is being exported to third world countries and unfortunately, since it is a well-funded campaign, there are willing partners even here in the Philippines.

I’m not sure if I’m being the odd man out here, but I read their campaign statements and found them weird and inappropriate where there are many food-poor people.

Take this one, “PETA believes that animals ... are capable of suffering and have an interest in leading their own lives; therefore, they are not ours to use — for food, clothing, entertainment, experimentation, or any other reason.”

Then they have this campaign against Kentucky Fried Chicken. PETA claims that “more than 850 million chickens are killed every year for KFC. They are crammed into sheds, mutilated, suffer from broken wings and legs, and are often still completely conscious when their throats are slit and they are dunked into tanks of scalding-hot water. We need your help to persuade KFC to implement real animal welfare standards and stop this hideous cruelty.”

Well, our partner NGO in Gingoog provides micro-financing to women’s groups that raise chicken which they sell to Sr. Pedro, a popular chicken-barbecue stand (similar to Andoks) with several branches in Cagayan de Oro City. I don’t think Sr. Pedro puts the chicken to sleep before slaughtering them! And I don’t think the women feel that they are violating the chicken’s rights!

There is nothing wrong with promoting vegetarianism but to compare pigs in livestock farms to the “Jews in concentration camps during the Holocaust” is absurd. There are more important advocacies than this. Rather than focusing on the animals, put the people’s rights first! People have the right not to go hungry. If they want to promote vegetarianism, then promote crop and vegetable production. Start with the advocacy for a more equitable access to the land, prohibition against the conversion of prime agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses. Or promote various recipes using malunggay, talbos kamote, and tokwa that can provide cheap but nutritious food to the majority of the people.

I wonder what the local PETA partners are getting?

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Our Prayers for President Cory Aquino

We join the nation in praying that God give Tita Cory the strength to fight and win her battle against colon cancer. She has done a lot for our country. Thank you Tita Cory and We pray that you overcome this challenge.

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Thanks to Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales for the Victory of Sumilao Farmers

Although I expressed disgust over the Bishops ambiguity in their position on the Filipinos' search for truth, justice, and accountability from the President Evil, I would like to acknowledge the role played by His Eminence Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales in helping the Sumilao farmers negotiate with the giant San Miguel Corporation to get back the 144 hectare property previously awarded to them.

The Sumilao farmers are the farmers who marched from Bukidnon starting October 10 last year with a few churches and non-government organizations supporting them. But throughout their march, they have gathered enough strength, from ordinary people in the countryside wishing them well to the Roman Catholic hierarchy with no less than Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales joining their cause.

The Cardinal said it all: “Kung mga tunay na Kristiyano ang mga taga-San Miguel, ibibigay na nila ang lupa. Yan ay kung tunay silang mga Kristiyano.” Maybe they should also be reminded that their company was named after a saint. But this is not to say that their fight doesn’t have any chance in court, it’s just that the legal processes may take years and it would have been better if the company gave up their claim to the land.

Thank you Cardinal Rosales for helping the farmers win back their dignity and their right over the land.

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WORLD SILENT DAY - March 21, 2008

This was posted by Ed. Let's support this!

Bali Collaboration on Climate Change Takes you into a journey of Silence
We ask you to SWITCH OFF ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES FOR FOUR HOURS
on 21st March 2008 at 10.00 – 14.00 hours

As a first step towards WORLD SILENT DAY 21 March 2008

You don’t have to be a superhero to tackle climate change.
We can reduce green house gas emission by doing nothing!!! Through Silence.
This is inspired by the Nyepi or Silent day practiced by people in Bali for many centuries, even now.
For 24 hours people do not travel, work or light the lamps at night.
One Silent Day in Bali is estimated to reduce at least 20,000 tons of CO2,
the largest contributor of green house gas. Please see www.worldsilentday.org.

We invite you to contribute to green house gas reduction by reducing energy consumption on 21 March.
SWITCH OFF YOUR ELECTRONIC APPLIANCES (computer, AC, TV, radio, cell phone, etc)
FOR 4 HOURS ONLY !!

REMEMBER 21 MARCH!!!
GIVE THE EARTH SPACE AND TIME TO BREATHE!!

PLEASE SEND THIS CAMPAIGN SHEET TO OTHERS!!
OR YOU CAN FIND YOUR OWN WAY OF SILENCE

PLEASE LET US KNOW THE SILENT HOURS THAT YOU UNDERTAKE ON 21 MARCH TO:
mysilent@worldsilentday.org

For more information, please contact:

info@worldsilentday.org
www.worldsilentday.org

Bali Collaboration on Climate Change

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Milk Code of 1986

I am re-printing the 1986 Milk Code issued by then Pres. Cory Aquino. This has not been fully implemented duty to the intense lobbying of milk substitute-manufacturers against this. This is part of our advocacy. In monitoring this blogsite, I have found out that there were those who visited our site, searching for a copy of the Code. I will look for a copy of the Implementing Rules and Regulations issued by the Department of Health, which is the subject of a case before the Supreme Court.

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51
ADOPTING A NATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING OF BREAST - MILK SUBSTITUTES, BREASTMILK SUPPLEMENTS AND RELATED PRODUCTS, PENALIZING VIOLATIONS THEREOF, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

WHEREAS, in order to ensure that safe and adequate nutrition for infants is provided, there is a need to protect and promote breast feeding and to inform the public about the proper use of breastmilk substitutes and supplements and related products through adequate, consistent and objective information and appropriate regulation of the marketing and distribution of the said substitutes, supplements and related products;

WHEREAS, consistent with Article II of the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, the present government should adopt appropriate legislation to give effect to the principles and aim of the aforesaid International Code;


NOW, THEREFORE, I CORAZON C. AQUINO, President of the Philippines, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Title -This Code shall be known and cited as the "National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplement and Other Related Products."

SECTION 2. Aim of the Code -The aim of the Code is to contribute to the provision of safe and adequate nutrition for infants by the protection and promotion of breast feeding and by ensuring the proper use of breastmilk substitutes and breastmilk supplements when these are necessary, on the basis of adequate information and through appropriate marketing and distribution.

SECTION 3. Scope of the Code -The Code applies to the marketing, and practices related thereto, of the following products: breastmilk substitutes, including infant formula; other milk products, foods and beverages, including bottle-fed complementary foods, when marketed or otherwise represented to be suitable, with or without modification, for use as a partial or total replacement of breastmilk; feeding bottles and teats. It also applies to their quality and availability, and to information concerning their use.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms -For the purposes of this Code, the following definition of terms shall govern;

(a) "Breastmilk Substitute" means any food being marketed or otherwise represented as a partial or total replacement for breastmilk, whether or not suitable for that purpose.
(b) "Complementary Food" means any food, whether manufactured or locally prepared, suitable as a complement to breastmilk or to infant formula, when either becomes insufficient to satisfy the nutritional requirements of the infant. Such food is also commonly called "weaning food" or "breastmilk supplement."
(c) "Container" means any form of packaging of products for sale as a normal retail unit, including wrappers.
(d) "Distributor" means a person, corporation or any other entity in the public or private sector engaged in the business (whether directly or indirectly) of marketing at the wholesale or retail level a product within the scope of this Code. A "primary distributor" is a manufacturer's sales agent, representative, national distributor or broker .
(e) "Infant" means a person falling within the age bracket of 0-12 months.
(f) "Health care system" means governmental, non-governmental or private institutions or organizations engaged, directly or indirect1y, in health care for mothers, infants and pregnant women; and nurseries or child care institutions. It also includes health workers in private practice. For the purpose of this Code, the health care system does not include pharmacies or other established sales outlets.
(g) "Health Worker" means a person working in a component of such health care system, whether professional or non-professional, including volunteer workers.
(h) "Infant Formula" means a breastmilk substitute formulated industrially in accordance with applicable Codex Alimentarius standards, to satisfy the normal nutritional requirements of infants up to between four to six months of age, and adapted to their physiological characteristics. Infant formula may also be prepared at home in which case it is described as "home-prepared."
(i) "Label" means any tag, brand, mark, pictorial or other descriptive matter, written, printed, stenciled, marked, embossed or impressed on, or attached to, a container of any product within the scope of this Code.
(j) "Manufacturer" means a corporation or other entity in the public or private sector engaged in the business or function (whether directly or through an agent or an entity controlled by or under contract with it) of manufacturing a product within the scope of this Code.
(k) ('Marketing" means product promotion, distribution, selling, advertising, product public relations, and information services.
(l) "Marketing personnel" means any person whose functions involve the marketing of a product or products coming within the scope of this Code.
(m) "Sample" means single or small quantities of a product provided without cost .
(n) "Supplies" means quantities of a product provided for use over an extended period, free or at a low price, for social purposes, including those provided to families in need

SECTION 5. Information and Education -
(a) The government shall ensure that objective and consistent information is provided on infant feeding, for use by families and those involved in the field of infant nutrition. This responsibility shall cover the planning, provision, design and dissemination of information, and the control thereof, on infant nutrition.
(b) Informational and educational materials, whether written, audio, or visual, dealing with the feeding of infants and intended to reach pregnant women and mothers of infants, shall include clear information on all the following points: (1) the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding; (2) maternal nutrition, and the preparation for and maintenance of breastfeeding; (3) the negative effect on breast feeding of introducing partial bottle-feeding; (4) the difficulty of reversing the decision not to breastfeed; and (5) where needed, the proper use of infant formula, whether manufactured industrially or home-prepared. When such materials contain information about the use of infant formula, they shall include the social and financial implications of its use; the health hazards of inappropriate foods or feeding methods; and, in particular, the health hazards of unnecessary or improper use of infant formula and other breastmilk substitutes. Such materials shall not use any picture or text which may idealize the use of breastmilk substitutes.

SECTION 6. The General Public and Mothers -
(a) No advertising, promotion or other marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual, for products within the scope of this Code shall be printed, published, distributed, exhibited and broadcast unless such materials are duly authorized and approved by an inter-agency committee created herein pursuant to the applicable standards provided for in this Code.
(b) Manufacturers and distributors shall not be permitted to give, directly or indirectly, samples and supplies of products within the scope of this Code or gifts of any sort to any member of the general public, including members of their families, to hospitals and other health institutions, as well as to personnel within the health care system, save as otherwise provided in this Code.
(c) There shall be no point-of-sale advertising, giving of samples or any other promotion devices to induce sales directly to the consumers at the retail level, such as special displays, discount coupons, premiums, special sales, bonus and tie-in sales for the products within the scope of this Code. This provision shall not restrict the establishment of pricing policies and practices intended to provide products at lower prices on a long-term basis.
(d) Manufacturers and distributors shall not distribute to pregnant women or mothers of infants any gifts or articles or utensils which may promote the use of breastmilk substitutes or bottle feeding. nor shall any other groups. institutions or individuals distribute such gifts. utensils or products to the general public and mothers.
(e) Marketing personnel shall be prohibited from advertising or promoting in any other manner the products covered by this Code. either directly or indirectly, to pregnant women or with mother of infants except as otherwise provided by this Code.
(f) Nothing herein contained shall prevent donations from manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code upon request by or with the approval of the Ministry of Health.

SECTION 7. Health Care System -
(a) The Ministry of Health shall take appropriate measures to encourage and promote breastfeeding. It shall provide objective and consistent information. training and advice to health workers on infant nutrition, and on their obligations under this Code.
(b) No facility of the health care system shall be used for the purpose of promoting infant formula or other products within the scope of this Code. This Code does not. however. preclude the dissemination of information to health professionals as provided in Section 8(b).
(c) Facilities of the health care system shall not be used for the display of products within the scope of this Code. or for placards or posters concerning such products.
(d) The use by the health care system of "professional service" representatives, "mothercraft nurses" or similar personnel. provided or paid for by manufacturers or distributors, shall not be permitted.
(e) In health education classes for mothers and the general public, health workers and community workers shall emphasize the hazards and risks of the improper use of breastmilk substitutes particularly infant formula. Feeding with infant formula shall be demonstrated only to mothers who may not be able to breastfeed for medical or other legitimate reasons.

SECTION 8. Health Workers -
(a) Health workers shall encourage and promote breast feeding and shall make themselves familiar with objective and consistent information on maternal and infant nutrition, and with their responsibilities under this Code.
(b) Information provided by manufacturers and distributors to health professionals regarding products within the scope of this Code shall be restricted to scientific and factual matters, and such information shall not imply or create a belief that bottle-feeding is equivalent or superior to breastfeeding. It shall also include the information specified in Section 5
(c) No financial or material inducements to promote products within the scope of this Code shall be offered by manufacturers or distributors to health workers or members of their families, nor shall these be accepted by the health workers or members of their families, except as otherwise provided in Section 8(e).
(d) Samples of infant formula or other products within the scope of this Code, or of equipment or utensils for their preparation or use, shall not be provided to health workers except when necessary for the purpose of professional evaluation or research in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Health. No health workers shall give samples of infant formula to pregnant women and mothers of infants or members of their families.
(e) Manufacturers and distributors of products within the scope of this Code may assist in the research, scholarships and continuing education, of health professionals, in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Ministry of Health.

SECTION 9. Persons Employed by Manufacturers and Distributors
-Personnel employed in marketing products within the scope of this Code shall not, as part of their job responsibilities, perform educational functions in relation to pregnant women or mothers of infants.

SECTION 10. Containers/Labels -
(a) Containers and/or labels shall be designed to provide the necessary information about the appropriate use of the products, and in such a way as not to discourage breastfeeding.
(b ) Each container shall have a clear, conspicuous and easily readable and understandable message in Pilipino or English printed on it, or on a label, which message can not readily become separated from it, and which shall include the following points:
(i) the words "Important Notice" or their equivalent;
(ii) a statement of the superiority of breastfeeding;
(iii) a statement that the product shall be used only on the advice of a health worker as to the need for its use and the proper methods of use; and
(iv) instructions for appropriate preparation, and a warning against the health hazards of inappropriate preparation.
(c) Neither the container nor the label shall have pictures or texts which may idealize the use of infant formula. They may, however, have graphics for easy identification of the product and for illustrating methods of preparation.
(d) The term "humanized," "maternalized" or similar terms shall not be used.
(e) Food products within the scope of this Code marketed for infant feeding, which do not meet all the requirements of an infant formula but which can be modified to do so, shall carryon the label a warning that the unmodified product should not be the sole source of nourishment of an infant.
(f) The labels of fool products within the scope of this Code shall, in addition to the requirements in the preceding paragraphs, conform with the rules and regulations of the Bureau of Food and Drugs.

SECTION 11. Quality -
(a) The quality of products is an essential element for the protection of the health of infants, and therefore shall be of high recognized standard.
(b ) Food products within the scope of this Code shall. when sold or otherwise distributed, meet applicable standards recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission and also the Codex Code of Hygienic Practice for Foods for Infants and Children.
(c) To prevent quality deterioration. adulteration or contamination of food products within the scope of this Code, distribution outlets, including the smallest sari-sari store, shall not be allowed to open cans and boxes for the purpose of retailing them by the cup. bag or in any other form.

SECTION 12. Implementation and Monitoring -
(a) For purposes of Section 6(a) of this Code, an inter-agency committee composed of the following members is hereby created:

Minister of Health -------------------------------------------- Chairman
Minister of Trade and Industry ---------------------------- Member
Minister of Justice -------------------------------------------- Member
Minister of Social Services and Development ----------- Member

The members may designate their duly authorized representative to every meeting of the Committee.

The Committee shall have the following powers and functions:
(1) To review and examine all advertising. promotion or other marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual, on products within the scope of this Code;
(2) To approve or disapprove. delete objectionable portions from and prohibit the printing, publication. distribution, exhibition and broadcast of, all advertising promotion or other marketing materials, whether written, audio or visual. on products within the scope of this Code; (3) To prescribe the internal and operational procedure for the exercise of its powers and functions as well as the performance of its duties and responsibilities; and
(4) To promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper for the implementation of Section 6 (a) of this Code

(b) The Ministry of Health shall be principally responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the provisions of this Code. For this purpose, the Ministry of Health shall have the following powers and function:
(1) To promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary or proper for the implementation of this Code and the accomplishment of its purposes and objectives.
(2) To call the assistance of government agencies and the private sector to ensure the implementation and enforcement of, and strict compliance with, the provisions of this Code and the rules and regulations promulgated in accordance herewith.
(3) To cause the prosecution of the violators of this Code and other pertinent laws on products covered by this Code.
(4) To exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary for or incidental to the attainment of the purposes and objectives of this Code.

SECTION 13. Sanctions -
(a) Any person who violates the provisions of this Code or the rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Code shall, upon conviction, be punished by a penalty of two (2) months to one (1) year imprisonment or a fine of not less than One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) nor more than Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) nor more than Thirty Thousand Pesos (P30,000.00) or both. Should the offense be committed by a juridical person, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the president, general manager, or the partners and/ or the persons directly responsible therefore, shall be penalized.
(b) Any license, permit or authority issued by any government agency to any health worker, distributor, manufacturer, or marketing firm or personnel for the practice of their professional or occupation, or for the pursuit of their business, may, upon recommendation of the Ministry of Health, be suspended or revoked in the event of repeated violations of this Code, or of the rules and regulations issued pursuant to this Code.

SECTION 14. Repealing Clause -All laws, orders, issuances, and rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 15. Separability Clause -The provisions of this Executive Order are hereby deemed separable. If any provision thereof be declared invalid or unconstitutional, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect the other provisions which shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 16. Effectivity -This Executive Order shall take effect thirty (30) days following its publication in the Official Gazette.
Done in the City of Manila, this 10th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, nineteen hundred and eighty-six.

President of the Philippines

By the President :

JOKER P. ARROYO

Executive Secretary

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