HEALTHY MOMS, HAPPY TOTS

The Rotary Club of Marikina Valley, through the 7-in-1 High Impact Project, initiated a complete and inclusive Maternal and Child Health Care project in Purok 3 of Barangay Pintong Bukawe. Purok 3 of Pintong Bukawe is a remote farming community. The beneficiaries of this project are largely composed of farmers and wives of farmers. This project was made in consideration and acknowledgement of the pressing reality that many rural families have limited access to basic healthcare and medical literacy. 

Under the project entitled “Healthy Moms, Happy Tots”, we were able to deliver a wide array of free health services designed and intended for women and children. The women from the farming households were able to receive free Pap smear screenings to help support the early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. This is a very crucial and life-saving intervention which is often unavailable or worse, very expensive, especially for those in far-flung areas.

There were also pregnant and expectant mothers who were given full check-ups. They were also counseled on proper prenatal care to help reduce the risks for both the mother and the unborn child. Conversely, the children from the community also received medical consultations. They were able to receive vitamins and supplements to strengthen their nutrition and immunity from sickness. 

Moreover, the program also included free circumcision for boys as part of their hygiene and preventive care, which is the very purpose of this intervention. However, due to conflicting schedules of their schooling, most of the boys who availed of this free service were out-of-school youth. 

For us, this was not just a one-day medical mission. This project allowed the community to be educated and empowered. Mothers were given proper guidance on relevant topics such as maternal health, infant care, nutrition, disease prevention, and proper hygiene for the whole family. With these lectures, mothers, together with their families, are now equipped with the knowledge and practices that can help protect their long-term health and well-being.

“Healthy Moms, Happy Tots” mirrors the belief of the Rotary Club of Marikina Valley that true economic and social progress begins with healthy families. By reaching far-flung farming communities and extending compassion through service.

Written by: GP Andy Alcantara & DDS Amy Alcantara, RC Marikina Valley