BUTUAN CITY – A policewoman from the Police Regional Office-13 has donated breast milk in a display of kindness and support for the health and well-being of infants, particularly those who are premature, ill, or unable to access their mother's milk. “There is immeasurable happiness in helping others,” Police Corporal Maribel B. Alipao of the PRO-13 Regional Community Affairs Development Division (RCADD), said.
POLICE Corporal Maribel B. Alipao (right) breastfeeds an infant in a hospital in Butuan City while the baby’s mother looks on. (Mike U. Crismundo) “Whatever it’s a small act of kindness or a significant contribution, reaching out to those in need especially to our infants bring immense joy and fulfillment to me as a police officer and as a mother,” added Alipao, a mother of two, in an interview with the Manila Bulletin on Friday, May 26. Alipao started freezing excess milk when she gave birth a year ago. In six months, she has already donated 15 bags or six liters of freshly pumped breast milk. Her first call to this advocacy was when she saw an online post from a concern citizen asking for some breast milk for a one-month-old baby suffering from amoeba and confined to Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital here. She breastfed two newborn babies in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit because of her altruistic nature. While there, she shared her advocacy for the importance of breastfeeding and proper preservation of breast milk. The PRO-13 led by Police Brig. Gen. Pablo G. Labra II recognized her selfless service when she was awarded a Medalya ng Ugnayang Pampulisya during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Women’s Month celebration in March. More than the award she received, Alipao said the biggest reward for her was seeing infants meet their needs. She believes that donated breast milk served as a lifeline for vulnerable infants, giving them a fighting chance for a healthier start in life, and bringing support to mothers facing breastfeeding challenges. Labra said her acts embody compassion, generosity, and a commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for our youngest and most vulnerable members of society. “Her act of kindness can make a tremendous difference, particularly for infants who need it most or those whose mothers may be unable to breastfeed due to some various reasons,” Labra said, adding: “PRO 13 commends her good deeds which demonstrate the PNP’s commitment of serving the people.”