The Valenzuela City government conducted a breastmilk letting activity and family planning caravan for mothers and residents in the city on Wednesday, Aug 30.
The breastmilk letting activity was held at the WES Events Space in Barangay Dalandanan, in collaboration with the Quezon City General Hospital Human Milk Bank, as part of the National Breastfeeding Awareness Month celebration.
Around 120 participants joined the activity to express support for breastfeeding mothers and their infants.
According to the city government, the event received sponsorships from various organizations such as Rotary Club of Valenzuela, Yakult Philippines, J. Chemie Laboratories Inc., Prosel Pharma, and Metropolitan Pharma.
The participants were able to share their breastfeeding experiences and knowledge.
They also received rice packs from Quezon City General Hospital Human Milk Bank.
Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie "Wes Gatchalian's wife, Tiffany Gathalian, also offered a P2,000 reward to the participant who donated the highest volume of breastmilk.
Meanwhile, the Family Planning Caravan was conducted at the 3S Center Lingunan, where participants received lectures about different topics like breast and cervical cancer, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) awareness, and modern family planning methods.
Through this initiative, participants had the opportunity to visit family planning booths that offered a range of educational materials and resources.
Furthermore, the participants were able to access family planning services that showed the city's steadfast dedication to the comprehensive welfare of the families in the city.
"It is very hard to raise and take care of many children, that is why we launched the Family Planning Caravan, to take care of the Pamilyang Valenzuelano. We do this because you never know, maybe your children will be the next city health officer - the one who will replace me, that is because you are taking good care of your children," city health officer Dr. Marthony Basco said.
According to the local government, the events served as testaments to Valenzuela City's commitment to prioritize the health and well-being of every Pamilyang Valenzuelano.
The said activities of the LGU not only promoted unity within the community but also offered valuable resources to assist families in making well-informed decisions regarding their health and family planning requirements.