One in three infants (under six months) is being exclusively breastfed.

According to the National Statistics Office, 33.5 per cent of children below six months old are breastfed exclusively. The rate decreased from the 1998 estimate of 37 per cent.

Breastmilk is the best food a young child can have. No other food or drink, not even water, is usually needed during this period. Giving a baby any food or drink other than breastmilk increases the risk of diarrhea and other illnesses. Breastfeeding helps protect babies and young children against dangerous illnesses. It also creates a special bond between mother and child.

Although children need additional food after they are six months old, breastmilk is still an important source of energy, protein and other nutrients such as vitamin A and iron.

In the Philippines , a national milk code was issued in 1986 as an executive order promoting breastfeeding and regulating the marketing of breastmilk substitutes, supplements and related products.