The Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA) has opened a new facility to cater to the needs of breastfeeding mothers and children traveling from the airport.
The Breastfeeding Station and Kids Play Area, located at the terminal’s pre-departure area, was inaugurated on January 23, 2024 with a blessing and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The event was attended by officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area 7, the BPIA Gender and Development (GAD) Committee, and the airport management. They delivered inspirational messages to mark the opening of the airport’s newest offering to its users.
The Breastfeeding Station and Kids Play Area is an initiative by the BPIA GAD Committee, which aims to promote gender equality and women empowerment in the aviation sector. The facility provides a comfortable and private space for breastfeeding mothers, as well as a fun and safe haven for children before boarding their flights.
The airport staff assigned in the area are ready to assist the passengers who wish to avail of the service. The facility is open to all airport users free of charge.
BPIA is the first eco-airport in the Philippines and the first international airport in Bohol. It serves as a gateway to the province’s tourism attractions, such as the Chocolate Hills, the Loboc River, and the Panglao Island. The airport also supports the local economy by providing employment and business opportunities to the Boholanos.
BPIA hopes that the Breastfeeding Station and Kids Play Area will enhance the travel experience of its passengers, especially the mothers and children, and showcase the airport’s commitment to gender-responsive and child-friendly services.