THE Quezon City government, through its Human Milk Bank (HMB), has partnered with SM Cares to intensify its milk-donation drive, mobilizing more mothers to share their breast milk for vulnerable infants in need. Mayor Joy Belmonte said on Sunday that the initiative brought together lactating mothers, mallgoers specifically at SM Fairview, and regular donors to promote responsible breastfeeding and strengthen its growing milk donation network in time with the city’s celebration of Women’s Month. Participants also attended expert-led sessions on proper breastfeeding, maternal nutrition, and prenatal screening, ensuring mothers and caregivers are equipped to give infants the best possible start in life, the local government said. The city chief executive cited the importance of expanding access to safe, life-saving nutrition for babies. “We value this partnership with SM Cares. Strengthening our referral network allows us to reach more mothers — and more importantly, more infants who depend on life-saving milk.” Belmonte said. “Breastmilk remains the best for babies. But when it’s not available, we make sure every child still receives the nutrition they need to grow healthy,” she pointed out. Data from QCHMB’s 2025 report highlights the program’s far-reaching impact: 56 percent of pasteurized human milk was distributed to nonresidents, while 44 percent benefited QCitizens, emphasizing the city’s critical role in supporting infants across Metro Manila and nearby provinces. This expanding reach is supported by a landmark partnership sealed last year, which established dedicated milk depots in four SM Supermalls: SM Fairview, SM North EDSA, SM Novaliches, and SM Sta. Mesa, according to the mayor. These accessible drop-off points make it easier for mothers to donate excess breastmilk and support infants in need, the local government said. Combined with regular milk-letting drives in health centers, these depots are helping safeguard the health of the most vulnerable — especially premature babies and those with medical conditions, it added.