With the ultimate goal to achieve zero percent maternal and infant death rate in the province, Naic Municipal Health Office led by Dr. Susan Anselmo-Se, the Department of Health and the Provincial Health Office joined hands to conduct the Buntis Congress 2019 dubbed as “Para sa Ligtas na Panganganak, sa Health Center o Hospital Dapat” which was attended by 115 pregnant women on September 17, 2019 at Daluyan Community Resource Center Brgy. Malainen Bago in the municipality of Naic.
Dr. Se, in her welcome remarks, expressed her gratefulness to the expectant mothers for showing their willingness to learn more about having a healthy pregnancy. She said that in order to save lives, one must undergo regular prenatal checkup to know the condition and position of the baby in the womb.
Likewise, Mayor Junio Dualan also graced the program and advised them that it is beneficial for the parents to value the importance of proper birth spacing and family planning to provide for the needs of every child.
During the program, short video clips showing the significance of family planning, HIV screening, newborn screening and breastfeeding were played to intensify and promote awareness on good nutrition and health for the mother and child before, during and after pregnancy. Meanwhile, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Representative, Ms. Aleli Ramento discussed the PhilHealth membership process and benefits.
Participants also enjoyed some services offered in the event such as free oral prophylaxis performed by Provincial Oral Health Coordinator Dr. Mary Ann Montenegro along with Dr. Cristy Lim, Dr. Suzette Pulido and MHO dentists; free HIV counselling and screening by Prov’l HIV-AIDS Coordinator Ms. Haydelisa Maderazo, Asst. Prov’l TB Program Coordinator/TBHIV Nurse Mr. Raffy Macdonald and MHO technical staff; and some laboratory services such as free HIV Testing and Blood Typing rendered by Ms. Jennifer S. Casamar, MedTech II of MHO with the assistance of Lab Aide Ms. Myla D. Armendi. They also received free maternity set and giveaways from Mega Soft Hygienic Products and Huggies.
Highlights of the program was the Search for Gandang Buntis 2019 participated by 16 candidates from different barangays. Ms. Chemarie Faustino of Brgy. Calubcob was named as the Gandang Buntis 2019 while Ms. Cyries Arandia of Brgy. San Roque and Ms. Shiela Velo of Brgy. Molino bagged the first and second runners-up, respectively. Other special awards were received by Ms. Kreezha Joy Halipot of Brgy. Bucana Sasahan for Best in Costume (Recycled) and Ms. Velo for Best in Maternity Casual Dress.
In closing, Development Management Officer IV Ms. Liza L. Madlangbayan from the DOH reminded everyone to always have a quality healthcare as the key to a successful and safe pregnancy journey.
PRINTING AND BINDING OF LEGISLATIVE DOCUMENTS FOR USE OF THE OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN