The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said it will construct women-responsive and children-friendly facilities in the 44 commercial airports after Democratic Independent Workers Association (DIWA) Partylist Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar pointed out that Philippine airports do not address women and children’s needs. DIWA said Philippine airports managed by CAAP violate the Republic Act 10028 or the Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009 which requires establishments to have lavatories, nursing stations, refrigerators to store breast milk, and comfortable seats. Director General William Hotchkiss said, however, “CAAP is a staunch supporter of Gender Awareness and Development [GAD] and has been a trailblazer in implementing GAD projects and initiatives.” He said CAAP has completed the installation of 17 breastfeeding stations, 15 toddler nooks, and 12 diaper-changing stations in a number of commercial airports under the agency’s management. Hotchkiss added that CAAP is currently coordinating with the Embassy of Australia to adopt GAD best practices in the country.
