Over 1,500 pregnant women showed up and gained knowledge on reproductive health and pre- and post-natal care at the 9th DZMM Buntis Congress seminars held in different cities in the country this year.
DZMM anchor and OB-gynecologist Dr. Bles Salvador advised the future mothers to undergo a monthly check-up so they can monitor their babies’ development and prevent problems during delivery.
Salvador joined experts from the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Population (COP), Midwives Association of the Philippines (MAP), and National Nutrition Council (NNC) in offering tips and lectures to educate the pregnant women and address the problem of maternal and infant mortality, disability, and complications during pregnancy.
The assembly in Manila held at SM Megamall last May gathered 1,000 pregnant mothers, while the session in Baguio City last October brought together 200 would-be moms. Aside from the 300 pregnant women who attended the congress in Zamboanga City, 150 breastfeeding mothers were also present to support its local government’s breastfeeding program.
MAP and DOH-NCR Regional Midwives Supervisor Elizabeth Dumaran, meanwhile, gave guidelines on nutrition and physical activity to ensure the health of the mom and the baby during pregnancy in all areas covered in the Philippines.
City health officers and officials from NNC also taught the participants the importance and fundamentals of breastfeeding, as well as the different techniques they can use.
Meanwhile, Dir. Eric Tayag, assistant secretary of the Department of Health, performed a sample exercise to the tune of “Waka-Waka” in the congress in Manila.
Artists such as “Star Power” grand winner Angeline Quinto, “Pinoy Dream Academy” finalist Liezel Garcia, balladeer Mark Echem, and celebrity mom Christine Bersola-Babao were also present to entertain and encourage the expectant mothers.
Baby bags were given away to all participants, while cash prizes and bedroom, bathroom, and recreation showcases were raffled away in the three assemblies hosted by DZMM anchor Winnie Cordero and the DJs of ABS-CBN’s regional radio stations.
DZMM, in partnership with DOH and NNC, has staged the Buntis Congress for the ninth straight year to give guidance to future moms and arm them with knowledge before and after they give birth. It is also the third year that DZMM organized sessions in cities outside Metro Manila.
This year’s congress highlighted the importance of breastfeeding as medical studies have proven that it aids the baby’s sensory and cognitive development and protects it against infectious and chronic diseases.
