By DIANN IVY CALUCIN
The Caloocan City government received plaques of recognition and appreciation, and P150,000 cash grant from the Department of Health (DOH) for its exemplary implementation of the National Safe Motherhood Program (NSMP) at The Manila Hotel, Ermita, Manila on Sunday, Oct. 16.
According to DOH’s Metro Manila Center for Health Development (MMCHD), the NSMP program seeks to supply Filipino pregnant women with quality healthcare for a safer pregnancy and delivery.
It also aims to ensure the improvement of women and their newborn children's overall health and survival.
Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan thanked the DOH for the recognition.
He said the LGU will continue to align with DOH-MMCHD’s values of guaranteeing good health among pregnant women in the city.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong pagkilala, asahan niyo pong ang ating pamahalaan ay nakatutok sa pagbibigay ng libre at dekalidad na serbisyo para sa ating mga kababayan sa kanilang mga pangangailangang medikal, kabilang na rito ang mga buntis at kanilang mga anak (Thank you very much for your recognition, expect that our government is focused on providing free and quality services for our citizens in their medical needs, including pregnant women and their children),” Malapitan said.
City Health Department Officer-in-charge Dra. Evelyn Cuevas said that the cash grant will be utilized in enhancing the technological equipment for prenatal care.
“Ang nakuha nating cash grant ay gagamitin natin sa patuloy na pagbuo ng ating target client list para mas epektibo tayong makapagserbisyo sa mga nanay at kanilang anak na nagpapacheck-up sa ating mga health centers (We will use the cash grant to effectively serve more pregnant women and their children during their check ups in our health centers),” she said.
Other city programs were also recognized during the event, including programs on raising awareness on family planning and birth contraceptives and promoting women's health and well-being.