29/08/2025
The Breastfeeding Advantage: DJPRCH Champions Maternal and Child Health
โGENERAL SANTOS CITYโDr. Jorge P. Royeca City Hospital celebrated National Breastfeeding Awareness Month on August 27, 2025, with a powerful event centered on the theme, โPrioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support System.โ The gathering, held on the hospital grounds, underscored a shared commitment to empowering mothers and securing a healthier future for their children.
โThe celebration served as a hub for education and community building, bringing together expectant mothers from the OB-Gyne Ward and Women's Center. Ms. Jenalyn Jugar, RN, the Hospital's MBFHFI Coordinator, hosted the event, which kicked off with an inspiring welcome address from Dr. Kliendio Rovillos, Chief of Clinics. Dr. Rovillos emphasized the hospital's mission to make breastfeeding the cornerstone of building strong families and communities.
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โThe program featured key speakers who highlighted the essential network of support available to mothers. Ms. Melody T. Salubre, RN, a member of the MBFHFI Core Team, explained the numerous health benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child. She detailed the nutritional and immunological advantages for infants, and the health benefits for mothers, emphasizing proper techniques and the institutional support available at the hospital.
Taking the discussion a step further, Ms. Imelda Silvero, RND, from the City Health Office, shared invaluable insights on maternal nutrition and the community-level support systems available in local barangays. These sessions vividly illustrated the event's theme by showcasing a continuous, sustainable support system that extends from the hospital to the community.
โThe day's highlight was the presence of Hon. Lorelie G. Pacquiao, General Santos City Mayor, who delivered a heartfelt and inspiring message. As a mother herself, Mayor Pacquiao connected with the audience on a personal level, underscoring the vital role of community support in every motherโs breastfeeding journey. She demonstrated the cityโs tangible commitment to maternal and child welfare by distributing "buntis kits" and awarding three lucky mothers with brand-new baby strollers.
โThe celebration was made even more significant with the signing of a Pledge of Commitment, symbolizing the unified dedication of all participants to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding.
โThe event concluded with a message of gratitude from Ms. Joann D. Sienes, RN, MAN, Chief Nurse, who acknowledged the many individuals and departments whose collective efforts ensured the day's success. This unified effort showcased the strong collaboration between the hospital, the local government, and various community partners.
Special thanks were extended to the City Health Office, led by Dr. Lalaine Calonzo, and the Departments of Pediatrics (Dr. Norman Babar and Dr. Lynnie Demonteverde and Pedia Consultants) and OB-Gyne (Dr. Ruschele Veliganio and Consultants).
โRecognition was also given to the dedicated staff and leaders from the Nursing department, the Public Health Unit, the Motorpool, the Nutrition and Dietetics Department, and the Quality Assurance Office. The support staff from the Family Planning, ER, DR, OR, OB-Gyne, and Pedia Wards were also specially recognized for their vital contributions to the program and to DJPRCH's Chief of Hospital, Dr Ryan Oscar M. Aplicador whose crucial leadership makes event like this possible.
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The celebration was a powerful statement of solidarity. By empowering mothers and showcasing a united front, Dr. Jorge P. Royeca City Hospital, along with its partners and the Local Government of General Santos City successfully reinforced the idea that a sustainable support system is the key to building a healthier future, one child at a time.
