Bontoc, Mountain Province – Early Christmas treats were given to 106 pregnant mothers during the Buntis Day on December 5, 2018, at the Bontoc Municipal Capitol.
According to Dr. Diga Kay Gomez, free prenatal check-up, urinalysis, Complete Blood Count (CBC), blood typing and dental check-up were offered and kits each containing baby diaper, adult diaper, sanitary napkin, alcohol, thermometer, mittens, bonnet, hand towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap were distributed to the pregnant women.
Aside from the free services offered, speakers also lectured on the Danger Signs of Pregnancy.
Spearheaded by the Bontoc Municipal Government through its Municipal Health Office (MHO), the activity was made possible through the doctors, nurses, midwives and personnel of the MHO; Bontoc General Hospital (BoGH); Provincial Health Office (PHO); Department of Health (DOH) – Provincial Office; members of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS- Mountain Province Chapter); Philippine Dental Association (PDA); Mountain Province Medical Society (MPMS) and Ultrasonologist Society of the Philippines (USP).
The doctors and dentists present during the one–day activity are Dr. Diga Kay Gomez, Dr. Raquel Tannao Kanongkong, Dr. Marjorie Chaokas, Dr. Claudine Dirige, Dr. Joshua Fronda, and Dr. Ameriza Chumacog-Gamotlong.
Meanwhile, to lessen the burden of pregnant mothers in going home for a lunch break and returning to the venue in the afternoon, free snacks and meals were served to them.
The budget for the conduct of the activity was sourced from the Gender and Development (GAD) Fund of the Provincial Government of Mountain Province through its PHO. The kits given to pregnant mothers and the kits that were used in the delivery of free medical services were provided by the DOH.
As mandated by Presidential Proclamation 569, Buntis Day is observed March 10 of every year. However, health workers believe that Buntis Day should not only be celebrated March of every year. To them, it should be an everyday celebration with the aim to promote the needs of pregnant women in order to have a healthier pregnancy. **Alpine L. Killa, Bontoc – LGU
