ILOILO City — The Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas is bringing together healthcare workers, local officials, and families in Iloilo Province as it pushes to strengthen safe pregnancy and childbirth practices across the region.
In partnership with the Lambunao local government unit, it spearheaded a large-scale maternal health initiative on May 14 at the Lambunao Sports Center as part of the observance of Safe Motherhood Week 2026.
The activity rallies expectant mothers, new parents, healthcare providers, community leaders, and families to promote safer pregnancies, proper maternal care, and improved access to essential healthcare services.
Participants attended health awareness sessions tackling prenatal check-ups, proper nutrition during pregnancy, infant care, postpartum recovery, and maternal mental health. The discussions also emphasized the importance of building support systems for mothers before and after childbirth.
Local health professionals also conducted free health screenings and consultations for pregnant women, including blood pressure monitoring and maternal health assessments.
“Safe Motherhood Week is not just a celebration; it is a collective call to action for all of us to champion the health and safety of our mothers and children,” organizers stressed during the event.
DOH said the initiative also served as a resource hub that connected residents to available healthcare services and maternal support programs in their communities.
The annual observance of Safe Motherhood Week in the Philippines, held every second week of May, highlights the government’s continued efforts to promote maternal health, safe childbirth practices, and proper nutrition for mothers and newborns.
Health authorities emphasized the importance of the six pillars of safe motherhood — antenatal care, facility-based delivery, postnatal care, family planning, emergency obstetric care, and STD/HIV prevention — as crucial measures in reducing maternal and infant health risks.
DOH and local officials underscored the need for sustained collaboration and advocacy to ensure maternal health remains a priority not only in Iloilo Province but throughout Western Visayas./PN
