01/09/2022
Step Up for Breastfeeding. Educate and Support
Philippine Pediatric Society Eastern Visayas Chapter celebrated Breastfeeding Month with several activities that aims to educate healthcare workers and support the community for successful breastfeeding. This was conducted from August 27, 2022 to August 30, 2022 every 2:00 PM at the Activity Center of Robinsons Place Marasbaras.
Breastfeeding Bee
Healthcare workers from Eastern Visayas showcased their knowledge on breastfeeding during the first day of the celebration last August 27. The quiz master of the said event was Dr. Mitzchel. Merin. It was a close fight among the participants but ultimately ACE Medical Center, represented by Leslie Rose Canalejas and Desiree Sabino won the first price. They received a plaque, certificate and 5,000 pesos. On second place was Leyte Provincial Hospital represented by Ana Rethcie Lagaday and Maria Mila Baltazar who received a plaque, certificates and 4,000 pesos. And on third place were April Joyce Hacbang and Shiela Mariz Panis representing United Shalom Hospital.
Mother’s Class on Lactation and Breastfeeding
On the second day of the celebration, we invited pregnant and lactating mothers, Barangay Health Workers, interns and clerks to join a Mother’s Class on Lactation and Breastfeeding. There were a total of 41 attendees. The class was conducted by Dr. Marie Ann Corsino, a breastfeeding advocate and a well-respected pediatrician. Dr. Gemma Ramos served as the Emcee
At the end of the class, there was also a raffle draw were the audience won bath tubs for babies, bed sets, and clothes among others. The prizes were courtesy of Little Creatures.
Malunggay Cook Off
Different aspiring chefs from Eastern Visayas were invited to participate in the contest. The challenge was to prepare dishes which will highlight the use of malunggay as main ingredient. Each contestant prepared two dishes, 1 appetizer or snack and 1 entrée or main course. Malunggay of course is a common plant found in the Philippines widely used for cooking. Its leaves are a natural galactagogue - a substance that promotes or increases the flow of a mother's milk.
Ma’am Felicita Borata of DOH, Elle Catugda owner of Tasty Kitchen and Reina Canonoy a breastfeeding mom had the toughest time judging as the dishes presented were all appetizing and plated tastefully. Abegail Hinay, a NICU nurse of ACE Medical Center won the first prize. She created Cheesy Ground Pork Roll with Malunggay and Morban Cake (Moringa and Banana Cake). She received 5,000 pesos, a plaque and a certificate, Angeles Matela, a home cook won the second prize with her Linawagan na Malunggay with Buko Ganas and P**o Rice with Malunggay. She received 4,000 pesos, a plaque and a certificate. And on third place was Jessa May Magpatoc who made Rolled Omelet with Malunggay and Oatmeal Cookies with Malunggay. She won 3,000 pesos, a certificate and plaque.
The event was also graced with the presence of the Assistant City Health Officer, Dr. Gloria E. Fabrigas. She was there on behalf of Mr. Raymund Romualdez, the founder of Hiraya Foundation who sponsored some of the prizes. The cook off was hosted by Dr. Mary Grace Tan-Uy.
Awards and Culmination
August 30, 2022 was the culminating program where we gathered all the winners to give them the prizes they won. This was hosted by Dr. Nikka Saavedra.
The Philippine Pediatric Society Eastern Visayas Chapter would like to thank Hon. Alfred Romualdez, Hiraya Foundation and the City Health Office for their support in making the event a success. We also thank Cathy Drug, Metropolitan Pharmaceutical Products, Inc, Little Creatures and Robinsons Department Store for the providing the prizes for the raffles and freebies. Likewise, we thank the Ian Virrey, the marketing manager of Robinsons and Robinsons Place Tacloban for being the venue sponsor. And finally our utmost gratitude to the everyone who participated. We hope that you too become advocates for breastfeeding.
