13/03/2024
“Empowering Pregnant Women; Nurturing Health and Happiness for Future Generations” (Pagbibigay Lakas sa mga Buntis: Pag-aalaga sa Kalusugan at Kaligayahan para sa mga darating na Henerasyon) is this year’s theme for 20th National Buntis Day, which is held annually every 10th of March as mandated by Presidential Proclamation 569 to raise awareness of the needs of expectant mothers in order to help them have a healthier pregnancy. It is a day that we commemorate to emphasize the importance of informing women about matters pertaining to pregnancy and the value of seeking prenatal care in order to reduce the risk of maternal illness and death.
This celebration marks the abundant life of motherhood as 720 expectant mothers from all over the cooperative, which serves the six (6) municipalities in the 1st District of Cotabato Province, namely: Pigcawayan,Pikit, Aleosan, Libungan, Midsayap, and Alamada (PPALMA), have joined together at the Midsayap Municipal Gymnasium to celebrate motherhood, with the municipality of Midsayap having the highest number of participants of about 368 Buntis women. This year’s celebration highlights the importance of empowering pregnant women, as they are carrying the torch of our future and the hope of our nation in their womb. By igniting forces, we can create a sustainable and uplifting environment for healthy children to thrive.
Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Inc. of the Southern Mindanao Chapter has led, conducted, and supported this advocacy by organizing whole-day activities that could help in achieving the goals of the said program as well as promoting and advocating for each and every pregnant woman in the PPALMA area to put emphasis on maternal healthcare. The advocacy for maternal health was led by prominent figures in the field, including the welcome address by Dr. Gloria Redoble, FPOGS and opening remarks by Dr. Helen De Peralta Yambao, FPOGS, FPGOP and the POGS SMC area coordinator for Cotabato City/PPALMA Dr. Cheryl Rapacon Chiong-Sabio.
The event was graced by the presence of esteemed guests, including Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño Mendoza, represented by Board Member Sittie Eljorie Antao-Balisi, and other local officials. Vice Mayor Dr Vivencio Deomampo,Jr of Midsayap, along with Board Member Dr.Manuel Rabara, Board Member Dr.Edwin Cruzado, and Councilor Justine Clio “Claiclai” Ostique of Midsayap, also attended the celebration.
The program opened for registration at exactly 5:00 in the morning, simultaneously with showcasing the event in public through a remarkable motorcade while never disregarding the Buntis women’s wellness through a lively Zumbuntis session that was conducted during the event. Yet, undeniable and visible enthusiasm, and eagerness to participate on the said event made a number of participants to be at the Municipal Gymnasium at as early as 3 A.M. In addition to the line of activities, an informative session was also conducted at 9 in the morning. Moreover, a "Misis Buntis" pageant was held, showcasing the grace and beauty of pregnant women in the community. The most anticipated moment of the event was the crowning of "Misis Buntis 2024," who received a cash prize of 10,000 pesos along with a free delivery package, whether normal or through a cesarean section. A number of medical services were provided to participants during the celebration, including free ultrasound scans for the first 100 attendees, free Tetanus Toxoid vaccination,
and free Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) tests for the first 150 attendees.
Not only were the Buntis women, who are the highlight of the day, accommodated, but the comfort and well-being of all attendees were also included, as complimentary arrozcaldo, snacks, and lunch were provided throughout the day. During the event, 260 Buntis kits were distributed to expecting mothers, along with essential items such as cribs, walkers, baby high chairs, strollers, and baby rocker cradles. Moreover, more than 80 raffle prizes were given away to lucky participants.
The success of the event would not have been possible without the support of Our Municipal Mayor Rolly “Ur the Man” Sacdalan , our sponsors and volunteers from various organizations, namely: the Rotary Club of Midsayap, the Philippine Nurses Association - Midsayap Chapter, Responder Of Midland and Libungan, Midsayap Doctors Specialist Hospital Inc. Midsayap Diagnostic Center & Hospital, Inc. Cohesco Hospital, Sara Family Clinic and Hospital, Anecito Pesante Hospital, Dr.Ramon Pesante Clinic & Hospital, and Rhu Midsayap, which all contributed their time and resources to make the event memorable.
The National Buntis Day is a proof of the community's commitment to maternal health and well-being. Through unwavering dedication and efforts in carefully planning the initiatives and activities, we are igniting and preparing ourselves for a brighter future, as this event highlights the willingness to cooperate for the wellness of the people who are carrying the future generation: the Buntis women.
Thank you to my event Organizer April Lynne Rapacon Dizon, Cluie Stelle Pelayre Ortega and staff , for great event coordination,crowd management and logistic support which made such a big event successful
Yhel Manzanares & team for their great documentation of the event & in capturing the raw emotions and candid moments on that day
Thank you to our energetic Emcees Gobi Tamsi & Mary Belle Castillon for your great sense of humour.
Royanne Lucena for a job well done in training our Candidates
Thank you too Fritzie Gucon for adding life and attraction to our event by your creative decoration
Thank you Jonar Sabio and team for making sure every pregnant participant’s stomach is full😊
