Tagbilaran City’s First Lady and founder of Gugma Tagbilaran Jane Yap (left) hands over bags of rice to  pregnant women of Tagbilaran City who pariticpated in the free ultrasound activity on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Photo courtesy of City Media Bureau

The local government unit (LGU) of Tagbilaran together with Gugma Tagbilaran and the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) are extending their kind hearts to the women sector of Tagbilaran. They recently provided free ultrasound services to another batch of pregnant ladies as part of the celebration of Saulog this year, according to a City Media Bureau report.

While the expectant mothers wait for their turn with the ultrasound machine, a taped lecture about maternal health was also shown in an activity conducted at the City Hall Atrium on March 17, 2021.

City Mayor John Geesnell Yap II expressed his appreciation to the private stakeholders for the latter’s help in making the event possible.

“After the first round of free ultrasound services, two months ago, many mothers approached me and asked for the next schedule. So, we immediately coordinated with our partners to bring another session. I am grateful to the generosity of IMAP and the dedication of our City Health personnel and barangay health workers. Even amidst this pandemic, we will not stop to deliver efficient public service to our constituents”, Yap said. 

The local chief executive also mentioned the untiring efforts of IMAP’s National President Corazon Parras, members of the Board of Directors, Luz Balani and Dr. Silvia Doron, and Ultrasonologist Dr. Emevic Pascual.

Tagbilaran City’s First Lady (FL) and founder of Gugma Tagbilaran Jane Yap also delivered a message, encouraging the mothers to make maternal health a priority.

Moreover, City Health Officer Dr. Jeia Pondoc in an interview reiterated the mission of her agency.

“We will continue with our mandated programs and services. As what Mayor Yap said, we will not be stopped by this pandemic. As you can see, aside from the management of the [Coronavirus disease] COVID-19 patients, the facilitation of the returning Tagbilaranons, and the monitoring in the barangays. We have continued to provide health services such as the free medical check-up, immunizations, circumcision, and laboratory testings. The Animal Bites Center, TB DOTS, and the Birthing Clinic are all in full operation. We also have the nutrition programs in place and these maternal health initiatives. We are here to cater to the medical needs of the people”, Dr. Pondoc emphasized. 

Meanwhile, FL Jane Yap of Gugma Tagbilaran also provided rice supplies and vitamins to each pregnant women who attended the said event.