CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A breastfeeding advocate in Mindanao has urged the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to revoke its Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a giant company due to what it described as “conflict of interest.” "Nestlé should not be allowed to undertake partnerships with government agencies, particularly on health and nutrition, as this has conflicts of interest," said Nadine Angelica Gadia-Casiño, founder of the Modern Nanays of Mindanao, in her reaction to a DOST post about the MOU signing with the multinational food and drink processing conglomerate corporation. On June 16, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. and top officials of Nestlé Philippines Inc. signed an MOU for joint research and development and technical services covering the areas of food safety, packaging, nutrition, and sustainability. (https://images.mb.com.ph/production/mb-mkt-neo-prod-1-uploads/NESTLE_MOA_702ac32152/NESTLE_MOA_702ac32152.jfif)
THE Department of Science and Technology and Nestlé Philippines Inc. sign a Memorandum of Understanding for joint research and development and technical services at the SPTL Building, ITDI, Bicutan, Taguig City, on June 16. (Photo courtesy of the DOST-ITDI Facebook page) The MOU signing, she said, is counterintuitive to the goal of nutrition and environmental sustainability, stressing that the company is allegedly one of the "contributors to poor feeding practices and single-use plastic in the Philippines." "Nestle is one of the largest manufacturers of single-use plastic and contributor in the Philippines and also manufactures ultra-processed food for infants and young children," Casiño said. In a Save the Children report in 2018 entitled "Don’t Push It: Why the Formula Milk Industry Must Clean Up Its Act," it tackled how the lives of millions of vulnerable children are at risk because of the “rapid growth” of baby milk formula. According to its website, Nestlé follows the highest standards when marketing breastmilk substitutes (BMS), as it has a global commitment to support breastfeeding as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO, breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival and is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Apart from the essential and effective benefits of breastfeeding, the Department of Health prefers to advocate breast milk since it is economical. Casiño  urged government agencies to partner with organizations and enterprises that protect health, nutrition, and the environment without conflicts of interest and without goals of financial profits and gains. "At the end of the day, Nestlé will value its company's bottom line and revenue more," said Casiño. Engr. Romela Ratilla, director of DOST-Northern Mindanao, said she still hasn’t read the MOU, but she advised the Modern Nanays of Mindanao to formally raise the concern. "They can write to the DOST Secretary or to me. If they write to me, I will forward it to our Central Office so that our Central Office can respond," Ratilla told the Manila Bulletin in a text message on Saturday, June 24.