1400+ mothers, fathers, and children from the 22 Tuy barangays to benefit from the initiative
The first 1,000 days from the child’s conception is a critical and vulnerable time for both the child’s and the mother’s health. During this period, it is imperative to provide care for a mother and her child to avoid the risks of encountering health issues that may impede the child’s physical and mental development. In the Philippines, one-third of the children are stunted, which is majorly caused by malnutrition. Meanwhile, many expecting mothers are still suffering pregnancy-related complications and death as manifested by the country’s alarming maternal mortality rate of 126 per 100,000 live births according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (2020).
In response to this concern, Health Futures Foundation, Inc. (HFI), in partnership with Bayer Philippines Inc. and the Local Government Unit of Tuy, Batangas, launched the project, “Training of Barangay Health Workers on Safe Motherhood and First 1,000 Days”. Due to the dearth of health professionals in the communities, Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) are tapped to serve as front liners in the areas–therefore, it is only necessary to upgrade their knowledge and skills to make them more effective health workers.
On the morning of 30 May 2022, a short program was held to celebrate the launch of the said project in the Training Room of Tuy Municipal Hall in Tuy, Batangas. The event was attended by representatives from HFI, Bayer Philippines, Tuy Municipal Health Office, Office of the Mayor, Barangay Health Workers, and Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).
The event formally commenced with a short invocation led by Tuy Public Health Nurse Ms. Alma Capricho, which was briefly followed by the welcoming and introduction of guests by Tuy Municipal Health Officer (MHO) Dr. Pilar Adrias.
To provide an overview of the project, HFI Chairman Dr. Jaime “Doc Jimmy” Galvez Tan presented the objectives and significance of the Safe Motherhood and First 1,000 Days initiative, as well as HFI’s line-up of activities in response to the identified maternal and child health issues in the communities.
Following Doc Jimmy’s briefer on the project, Bayer Philippines’ Communications Manager Ms. Nadira Abubakar delivered a message of inspiration on behalf of Bayer Managing Director Mr. Angel-Michael Evangelista and a brief orientation about Bayer Philippines’ objectives and initiatives.
Tuy Mayor Hon. Randy Afable, who is represented by his Executive Assistant Mr. Domingo Condicion, also gave a message of gratitude to HFI, Bayer Philippines, and partners for making this initiative possible.
Representing the BHWs and Tuy Barangay Captains, Tuy BHW President Ms. Nancy Delfinado and outgoing ABC President Kap. Adrian Perez also prepared a separate speech to express their appreciation for the Safe Motherhood and First 1,000 Days project which will benefit the members of their respective communities.
To officially close the program, Bayer Philippines Communications Manager Ms. Nadira Abubakar was called once again to give her parting message to attendees who were all joyous and excited about the launch of the project.
The “Training of Barangay Health Workers on Safe Motherhood and First 1,000 Days” project is expected to benefit 1,455 mothers, fathers, and children through the training of 195 BHWs and 35 Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) from the 22 barangays of Tuy, Batangas.
