Cagayan de Oro City is one of the five cities in the country chosen as the venue for the Buntis Congress on its 11th year. Spearheaded by ABS CBN DZMM in partnership with Department of Health (DOH), National Nutrition Council (NNC) and Midwives Foundation of the Philippines which took place last November 29, 2013 at Grand Caprice Hotel and Convention Center, Cagayan de Oro City. The participants were about 300 pregnant women coming from Cagayan de Oro City and nearby municipalities of Misamis Oriental. The one day activity aimed to increase awareness of pregnant women in the importance of proper health and nutrition for the mother and the baby before, during and after pregnancy.
Series of events were highlighted in the program which was hosted by DZMM Anchor Ms Winnie Cordero. Honorable Oscar S. Moreno - CDO City Mayor, lead the ribbon cutting along with Dr. Fe Bongcas - CDO City Health Officer, Ms. May Valle Ceniza - Head of DZMM Special Projects, Ms. Marilou R. Enteria – Nutrition Officer IV NIED NNC, and Engr. Zenaida T. Tondares – Nutrition Program Coordinator, NNC X. Mayor Moreno also delivered his welcome remarks during the program assuring that N
orthern Mindanao is moving forward together in achieving the Millenium Development Goals. Ms. May Valle Ceniza - Head of DZMM Special Projects delivered her message which revolved on letting the participants to know everything about Buntis Congress. There were technical sessions on nutrition and pregnant women and breastfeeding and other relevant topics facilitated by representatives from different agencies. The following are the speaker for each topic discussed:
- Presentation #1: I am pregnant! – Dra. Bles Salvador, DZMM Resident OB-Gyne
- Presentation #2: Nutrition in Pregnancy – Ms. Malou R. Enteria, NO IV NIED-NNC
- Presentation #3: Birth and Emergency Plan for Safe Motherhood and Birth Registration – Ms. Elizabeth Dumaran, Vice. Pres. – Midwives Foundation of the Philippines
- Presentation #4: Essential Newborn Care – Dr. Ma. Elen C. Santua, MD, RN, FPSMS – Medical Health Specialist II/OIC Family Health Cluster, DOH-CHD X
- Presentation #5: Breastfeeding and Complimentary Feeding Techniques – Dr. Shari Ludovina L. Sabalvaro, Medical Officer V and IYCF Coordinator – Mandaluyong City
- Presentation #6: Responsible Parenthood – Mr. Ardizon T. Arsua, Information Officer II - PopCom X
- Presentation #7: Benefits of Being a Philhealth Member – Ms. Merlyn H. Ybanez, Public Relations Officer I – PhilHealth Region X
There was never a dull moment during the program because the participants were overwhelmed with surprises. They were given loot bags; recipe books, information materials plus a chance to win in the raffle draw major prizes such as bathroom showcase, recreation showcase, and bedroom showcase. An award was also given to the most beautiful pregnant participant in winning the Gandang Buntis.The participants were also serenaded by ABS-CBN artist Bryan Termulo and entertained by MOR 99.1’s Bernie Bitot Bitok and Sweet Maricar.
To sum it up, the Buntis Congress Year 11 in Cagayan de Oro City was very successful and had served its purpose in increasing awareness of pregnant women in the importance of proper health and nutrition for the mother and the baby before, during and after pregnancy.
