15/07/2026
Buntis Congress 2026: Empowering Mothers for a Healthier Tomorrow!
The Rural Health Unit of the Municipality of Siocon, in coordination with the Department of Health and the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), successfully conducted the Buntis Congress 2026 on June 23, 2026 at the municipal gymnasium, Siocon Cultural & Exhibition Center to reinforce maternal healthcare and community-based nutrition interventions.
This milestone event brought together expectant mothers, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to advocate for maternal health, proper nutrition, and safe motherhood practices. Through free services, educational sessions, and essential distribution kits, we continue our commitment to ensuring a bright and healthy start for both mothers and their babies.
This event was more than just a gathering; it was a powerful statement of our shared commitment to the health, well-being, and empowerment of expectant mothers in our community with the events theme “Alagang Nanay, Alagang Sanggol; Sama-sama Para sa First 1,000 Days ng Matagumpay na Bukas.”
The morning session commenced with an opening address from Hon. Liz Elaine L. Sol, Municipal Kagawad on Health, followed by an inspirational message from Engr. Tan on behalf of Siocon Municipal Mayor, Hon. Ceasar C. Soriano.
The educational forum featured specialized lectures led by public health nurses aimed at guiding mothers through safe gestation and early childhood development:
* **Antenatal and Postnatal Care:** Gwynne T. Gomez, RN, discussed the critical periods of prenatal and postnatal check-ups, alongside the National Immunization Program (NIP).
* **The First 1,000 Days:** Cynthia C. Lacpao, RN, facilitated a comprehensive lecture focusing on Newborn Screening, the advantages of facility-based delivery, family planning, and optimizing nutrition during a child's first 1,000 days of life.
The morning programmatic itinerary concluded with a formal turnover of digital tablets from the PMNP to aid local health workers, followed by closing remarks from Municipal Health Officer, Dr. Mary Therese R. Acevedo-Jarmin, MD, MOH.
————————
Free Medical Screening and Wellness Services
To alleviate the financial barriers to high-quality prenatal care, the afternoon portion of the event was transformed into a multi-sectoral care clinic. Participants were given access to specialized clinical operations and wellness treatments entirely free of charge, supported by the PMNP, RHU and private sector partners:
✅Clinical & Diagnostic Testing
Complete prenatal check-ups by Dr. Acevedo-Jarmin and comprehensive blood and urine panels (including HIV, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Urinalysis, Cholesterol, Uric Acid, and Blood Sugar testing) administered by the RHU Laboratory.
✅Diagnostic Imaging & Screening
Free maternal ultrasound diagnostic imaging sponsored by the JLO Ultrasound Clinic, alongside Newborn Screening orientations handled by RHU Siocon.
✅Free Agricultural Products and seeds from Department of Agriculture- Siocon
✅Maternal Welfare & Pampering:
Complimentary physical wellness services, including;
✅specialized haircuts for pregnant women by *Jella The Stylist*,
✅manicure and pedicure treatments by *Glam Nailash & Brows by Melea*,
✅automated therapy via *Ramas Massage Chair Services*
✅and the venue was decorated by HANEEF DESIGNS
The local government unit and the RHU organizers expressed deep gratitude to the working committees, barangay health workers, private sponsors, and civil society partners who volunteered their clinical expertise and resources.
It is emphasized that institutionalized events like the Buntis Congress remain pivotal in achieving zero maternal death rates and securing a healthier, well-nourished future for the next generation of Siocon children.
