ZAMBOANGA CITY - Close to 300 pregnant women participated in the “Buntis Congress” of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 9 held recently at the DSWD conference room.
DSWD in a news statement said, this year’s Buntis Congress is specifically focused on pregnant internally displaced persons (IDPs) - victims of the Zamboanga crisis last year who are up to now housed at the JFE Sports Complex grandstand.
The Buntis Congress was aimed at orienting the participants on women’s health and other concerns related to childbirth and childcare.
During the said congress, Dr. Gracia Gacrama, in-house medical officer conducted lectures related to pregnancy and childbirth. An open forum was also conducted with the participants asking questions and sharing tips about pregnancy.
Good hygiene, eating a well-balanced-diet and ensuring daily light exercises are also among the topics taken up.
Meanwhile, DSWD-FO IX Director Zenaida Arevalo assured the participants of free medical services for IDPs. She advised the women to bring their access cards every time they come for free medical services at the Zamboanga City Medical Center as proof that they are indeed IDPs.
The Social Welfare office also distributed to the participants gift packs containing baby/infant wear, ‘malong’, canned goods, energy biscuits, a pair of slippers, sleeping mats and hygiene kit.
The pregnant women also brought home with them 25 kilos of rice (each) from Tzu-Chi Foundation.
The Buntis Congress is one of the activities lined up for the women’s month celebration.
This year’s women’s month celebration is anchored on the theme, “Juana: Ang Tatag mo ay Tatag natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”, which aims to highlight the strength and resilience of Filipino women who have shown courage and support after surpassing trials and difficulties brought about by the numerous calamities.