26/03/2026
๐ฅ๐๐จ ๐ฏ - ๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ช๐ ๐๐ข๐ก๐ข๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐๐ซ๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐๐ก๐ง ๐ ๐ข๐ง๐๐๐ฅ๐ฆ ๐ข๐ก ๐ก๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก๐๐ ๐๐จ๐ก๐ง๐๐ฆ ๐๐๐ฌ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ | Guided by the theme โTraditional Roots and Innovation in Nurturing Mothers,โ the National Buntis Day celebration on Malamawi Island brought together expectant mothers in a meaningful event held today March 26, 2026 at Isabela City Super Health Center, which honored both cultural practices and modern healthcare. The theme emphasized the value of preserving time-tested traditions in maternal care while embracing new medical knowledge and services to ensure safer pregnancies and healthier families.
A series of informative lectures formed the heart of the celebration. One of the key sessions, HIV 101 which was presented by the certified HIV Counselor Ms. Nurjan Hassan, provided essential knowledge about prevention, transmission, and treatment of HIV. City Nurse Coordinator of National HIV, AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program, Mr. Nestor Austero Jr, reiterated of the importance of screening of pregnant women for the Prevention-of-Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. This was complemented by on-site services including HIV screening and testing, complete blood count (CBC), and screening for other sexually transmitted infections such as Hepatitis B and Syphilisโreflecting the integration of innovative healthcare services into community outreach which was conducted by the Medical Technologist, Mr. Pierce Ethan Bada.
Nutritionist & Dietician, Ms. Silma Adam discussed on Mother and Child Nutrition highlighted the importance of both traditional nourishing practices and modern dietary guidance, ensuring that mothers receive holistic care. The Safe Motherhood Program reinforced culturally sensitive yet medically sound approaches to prenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal supportโbridging tradition with evidence-based practices. This was discussed by LGU midwife, Ms. Yolanda Pangilinan and DOH nurse, Ms. Lehla Mae Samir. The Family Planning Program further supported this theme by empowering women with knowledge rooted in community values while introducing modern reproductive health options, enabling informed and responsible decision-making for their families as presented by Ms. Sahaya Nasser, an LGU midwife.
Adding vibrance to the event, participants joined a lively Zumba Dance Exercise to the tune of โHawak Mo Ang Beatโ, promoting physical wellness in a fun and engaging way. The activity culminated in the crowning of the Zum-buntis Queen of 2026 which was from Barangay Carbon, celebrating confidence, strength, and the evolving image of empowered motherhood.
To cap off the celebration, maternity kits were distributed to all participants, providing essential items that combine traditional care needs with practical modern support for childbirth and newborn care. Overall, the National Buntis Day celebration at Malamawi Island beautifully reflected its themeโhonoring traditional roots while embracing innovationโcreating a nurturing environment where mothers are educated, supported, and empowered.
We would like to thank Ms. Penchie Hontucan, the City Nurse Coordinator of Maternal and Child Health Program for gracing the event and giving the welcome address. We also extend our gratitude to Rural Health Physician, Dr. Rehab Hayre, the City Medical Coordinator of the program for the sponsoring of prizes and other logistical requirements for the activity as well as to the BS Midwifery students of Juan S. Alano Memorial School, Inc. for the assistance during the event.
