Zamboanga City- Around 264 pregnant women, those with big bellies and those with hardly-noticeable ones, started lining up for registration at the lobby of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office here.
Aside from being heavy with babies in their wombs, another thing they have in common is being ‘IDPs’ (Internally Displaced Persons).
These women were all victims of the Zamboanga crisis last year and who are all housed at the JFE Sports Complex.
DSWD, in line with the observance of the Women’s Month, invited these women for an activity dubbed as “Buntis Congress”.
With the theme, “Juana: Ang Tatag mo ay Tatag natin sa Pagbangon at Pagsulong”, the month long celebration 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 recently.
The Buntis Congress, held at Field Office’s conference room, aims to orient the participants on women’s health and other concerns related to childbirth and childcare.
Dr. Gracia Gacrama, in-house medical officer, discussed these topics.
An open forum, after the lecture, allowed for clarifications and sharing of pregnancy tips.
Participants who have prior experiences in childbirth identified must-dos for pregnant women. These include good hygiene, eating a well-balanced-diet and ensuring daily light exercises. Some of the women revealed that they have not availed of pre-natal consultations but promised to do so upon their return to the evacuation site.
Free medical services
Free medical services is assured for IDPs as mentioned by DSWD-FO IX Director Zenaida Arevalo, in her talk with the participants.
“Libre po ang serbisyo para sa inyo ng ating Zamboanga City Medical Center. Dalhin nyo po ang inyong access card na nagpapatunay na kayo po ay isang IDP” (Services at the Zamboanga City Medical Center are free for IDPs, just bring your access cards to prove that you are an IDP), Dir. Arevalo told the women.
Gift packs
Gift packs containing baby/infant wear, a ‘malong’, canned goods, energy biscuits, a pair of slippers, sleeping mats and a hygiene kit were given to the participants.
Tzu-Chi Foundation also donated rice for these women with each bringing home with them 25 kilos of rice.
Eight-months pregnant Baraya Ismael, who is having her 16th child, appreciates much the gift.
“Malaking tulong talaga sa amin yung bigas, kaya masaya talaga ako na may iuuwi kami (This is a big help for us and I am happy to bring something home) Baraya said.
Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco, who paid a brief visit, led the women in a prayer for their babies. She encouraged the women to regularly talk to their babies and to take good care of them as they are gifts from the Almighty.
“We want you to have healthy babies and please take care of yourselves, too” the ladymayor said.###