The Davao City Health Office (CHO) provides free maternal health services to at least 80 pregnant mothers during the Buntis Congress, an initiative designed to promote safe pregnancy and maternal wellness, on June 16, 2026 in Barangay Maa, Davao City.
Joy Espina, Talomo District Health Officer of CHO told the City Information Office (CIO) that the congress was not only about providing medical services but also equipping mothers with the knowledge to make informed decisions for their own health and their baby’s well-being.
“Importante gyud kaayo nga makatambong sila sa amoang mga lectures nga gina pahigayon diria sa health center ilabi na sa katung mga first time moms. Para kabalo sila unsa ang iexpect ug makabalo sila kung unsa ang mga risgo para matambagan sila, ma okay pod ang pag buntis ug sa ilahang pag-anak (It is very important that they attend our lectures held in our health center, especially for first-time moms. So, they will know what to expect and understand the risks, ensuring a better pregnancy and childbirth),” she said.
She also highlighted the value of breastfeeding, stressing that breastmilk is the best nutrition for newborns.
Espina added that free prenatal services are available every Tuesday at the Maa Health Center, encouraging mothers to seek early guidance.
“Sa mga buntis dinha or mom-to-be or gusto mag buntis, ayaw mo og pag duha duha. Adto lang mo sa mga barangay health centers para ma tudluan mo kung unsa ang tama na mga himoun ug para ang atoang pag buntis kay healthy and then pag gawas sa baby kay healthy pod siya (To those who are pregnant or mom-to-be or want to get pregnant, don’t hesitate. Just go to the barangay health centers so you can be taught what are the right things to do so that your pregnancy is healthy and when the baby is born, he or she will also be healthy),” she added.
Lyza Banugan, one of the participants, said the congress was a big help for mothers like her. Even with two children, she emphasized the importance of learning new instructions and guidance from health professionals to ensure safe and healthy motherhood.
“Dako kaayo ni nga tabang sa amoa. Excited pod kayko kay para makahibalo ko na maskin na naa nakoy duha ka anak, kailangan gyud nato nga mahibal-an kung unsa instruction nila para sa amoa. Dako kaayo ni og tabang para sa amoa nga isip usa ka inahan (This is a huge help for us. I’m also excited because I want to know that even though I already have two children, we still need to have a proper instruction and guidance. This is a huge help for us as a mother),” she said.
Participants also received free prenatal check-ups, laboratory testing, ultrasound, nutritional assessments and counselling, family planning education, and essential care kits containing vitamins and hygiene products for themselves and their babies. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal