LANAO DEL NORTE - As part of the celebration of Family Planning Month, five pregnant mothers here took center stage as symbols of beauty and grace during the "Gandang Buntis LaNorte 2023" pageant.
Beyond the dazzling outfits and radiant smiles,
the pageant aimed to educate the public on the paramount importance of
responsible family planning.
The pageant, which the Provincial Health Office
and the Provincial Population Office organized in collaboration with the
Department of Health (DOH), highlighted the provincial government's unwavering
commitment to family planning.
From production numbers to summer wear, maternity
dresses, and traditional Malong attire, the pregnant mothers highlighted their
unique beauty and charisma.
Empowerment for mothers
Rachel Buenaflor, a 34-year-old mother
representing the municipalities of Salvador, Nunungan, Lala, Kapatagan, Sapad,
and Sultan Naga Dimaporo, was crowned Gandang Buntis Lanao Norte 2023.
With tears of happiness, she shares her inspiring
journey as a mother to two children, and she is currently expecting her third.
Her story not only shines a light on the importance of family planning but also
serves as an empowering example for mothers everywhere.
As a mother who embraced family planning, Rachel
is determined to use the pageant as a platform to encourage others.
"Super bulahan ug malipayon. Happy kaayo kay
tanang effort nako, nakuha nako tanan. Like me, nga nag-family planning,
gina-encourage nako na mag-family planning para mahatag nato tanan para sa
atong anak ug maatiman nato og sakto," she said.
Other pregnant mothers also shared their voices
during the pageant, inspiring others to embrace the values of family planning
and responsible parenthood.
Gandang Buntis LaNorte 2023 1st runner-up
Michaela Gaces Paculanang, representing the towns of Bacolod,Tangcal, Maigo,
and Kolambugan, expressed her deep appreciation for the government's efforts in
promoting family planning methods. She emphasized that government initiatives
play a crucial role in raising awareness about responsible parenthood.
Meanwhile, Gandang Buntis LaNorte 2023 2nd
runner-up Rosalie Baguioso Laguno, hailing from Pantao Ragat, Pantar, Baloi,
and Tagoloan cluster, carried a spirit of resilience and hope. For her, her
role in helping her community understand the importance of family planning
extends beyond the pageant stage.
"With proper child spacing as a mother, I
will give each child enough care and proper guidance," said Gandang Buntis
LaNorte Tourism Analyn Jayme, representing Kauswagan, Matungao, Munai, Poona
Piagapo, and Linamon towns.
Moreover, Gandang Buntis LaNorte Charity Jessa
Barbon Canamo, representing the towns of Magsaysay, Baroy, Tubod, believes that
motherhood is not just about bringing children into the world but also about
understanding and meeting their needs.
Biyaheng
Kalusugan
DOH, in partnership with the Commission on
Population and Development, the Center for Health Development-Northern
Mindanao, the World Health Organization, USAID ReachHealth, and the United
Nations Population Fund, conducted a Biyaheng Kalusugan health caravan.
The caravan featured enlightening sessions on
family planning, providing valuable insights and information for couples. In
addition to these educational sessions, couples had the opportunity to partake
in enjoyable games and entertainment activities offered at different booths.
DOH and the provincial government strongly urged
couples to explore various family planning methods for the well-being of both
mothers and children.
"As for family planning, it’s not only
do you want to have fewer children, but it’s also for the health of the mother
and the child. That's why we have to have child spacing," said Gov. Imelda
Quibranza.
Meanwhile, DOH Health Promotion Bureau
officer-in-charge director Rodley Desmond Daniel Carza underscored the
significance of a collaborative approach to family planning, highlighting that
it is not an individual decision but rather a matter that involves both
partners in a relationship.
"Family planning is not an individual
decision. It’s a decision for both couples. It’s a discussion that needs to
happen within the family at kailangan mag plano kung paano natin ipractice ang
family planning," he said.
Empowering mothers and promoting responsible
family planning are essential steps towards creating a brighter future for
children and communities. (Lou Ellen L. Antonio)
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