NINE months. It takes nine months to carry a child in your womb. During these months, there are physical, emotional, and psychological stress. It’s nine long months of struggles and challenges, but what pushes mothers to survive is that beautiful fact . . . that after every hardship comes the bliss of holding a child and hearing him or her cry the first time.
The Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) celebrated the 16th National Araw ng Buntis last March 10, 2019 in Robinsons Place Pavia at around 12 noon.
With the theme ‘Malinis at Luntiang Kapaligiran ang Handog ng Ina sa Sinapupunan”, more than 500 mothers registered and participated in the event. They were all very attentive and interested in the activities.
THE ACTIVITIES
Expecting mothers were educated on the Danger Signs of Pregnancy by Dr. Maria Theresa G. Dy, Breastfeeding by Adhara A. Sebuado, and HIV Screening in Pregnancy by Dr. Patricia Tobias.
These lectures brought a new level of awareness to the attendees. With demonstration plus credible resource speakers, the pregnant women acquired vital learnings.
There were also Prenatal Checkup, Anemia Screening, and Free Ultrasound Certificate for the participants.
These expecting mothers also had the opportunity to hear a message from the honorable guests. They had the privilege to hear a message from the POGS President, Dr. Mario A. Bernardino, FPOGS.
Dr. Rosendo R. Roque, FPOGS (Father of Buntis Day), Dr. Ramon T. Reyles, FPOGS (Chairman, Maternal and Perinatal Welfare of POGS), and Guest Speaker Jeannie Javelosa were also there to impart their messages.
Jeannie Javelosa is the co-founder of the pioneering and multi-awarded retail store and social enterprise ECHOstore Sustainable Lifestyle which has been named as one of top 50 women led businesses in APEC region, and identified as one of 50 top women companies in the ASEAN region.
The fun part of the event was the Buntis Got Talent. Confident pregnant women took over the stage to entertain everyone with their abilities.
One of the participants, 26-year old Cleah May Santos who is six-months pregnant with her baby told Panay News, “The celebration for the National Buntis Day is great. You will learn a lot. (Other pregnant mothers) should take good care of their babies.”
The celebration was an abundance of new learnings and empowering pregnant women. Every pregnant woman was reminded by Miss Adhara A. Sebuado said in ther talk, “Remember the woman you were before you had kids. She’s still in there. Take care of her.”/PN
