Cebu Province – On 02 December 2021, the Municipality of San Fernando held a Buntis Congress activity at the Municipal Hall Lobby with Fifty (50) expectant mothers from all barangays as participants. 

The Rural Health Unit of San Fernando has been preparing for the said activity since June 2021. It was supposedly the culminating activity for this year’s Nutrition Month but was moved further due to surging COVID-19 cases.

This year’s Buntis Congress aimed to complement the 2021 Nutrition Month theme “Malnutrisyon patuloy na labanan, First 1000 Days tutukan!”. Dr. Alfredo P. Manugas VI, Municipal Nutrition Action Officer, spoke on the importance of family planning and opined the timeliness of the congress since most of the participants were teenage expecting mothers. He also urged them to utilize government services that are readily available to ensure mother and child safety. While modern family planning methods were explained and demonstrated bythe Public Health Nurse Mrs. Clare Angelie Barbon of the municipality.

DMO IV Alma Ludalin G. Naboya of DOH explained to these young mothers on how exclusive breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices can be life-changing to the growing child. Provincial Program Coordinator Jon Luzmar D. Empenado of Helen Keller – Nutrition International who was present during the event emphasized the importance of the First 1000 days of life as it offers a golden window of opportunity to shape up a child’s development. 

NDP Nutrition focal person, Florie Neil Coyoca, distributed Buntis kits consisting various pregnancy essentials as the discussions ended. These expectant mothers didn’t leave empty handed, as various booths were also set-up where multivitamins were distributed. The Bubtis Congress participants went home with newfound information and full hearts. // ND Juan Viktor V. Filamor, RND