MAKATI CITY — Hundreds of pregnant women from various barangays filled the Makati Coliseum on May 14, 2026, as the local government successfully hosted its annual Buntis Summit. The event served as a comprehensive platform for maternal education, focusing on reducing pregnancy-related risks and promoting newborn health. It forms a critical component of the city's public health strategy, ensuring expectant mothers receive both medical support and essential information. The gathering reinforced Makati's commitment to lowering maternal and infant mortality rates through direct community engagement.
Connecting Mothers to National Healthcare Gains
The summit arrived at a pivotal time following the expansion of maternity benefits under PhilHealth, which took effect on April 30, 2026. This national policy now covers eight prenatal and four postnatal visits, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses for Filipino families. The United Nations Population Fund has hailed this development as essential for meeting global targets on maternal mortality. Local summits like Makati's play a crucial role in translating these national benefits into real-world awareness at the grassroots level. During the lectures, health experts broke down financial entitlements alongside practical medical advice for expectant mothers.
Comprehensive Maternal and Newborn Care Discussions
Attendees participated in detailed lectures delivered by the Makati Health Department, led by OIC Dr. Bernard Sese and Dr. Jane Tan-Rivero. Topics ranged from the importance of regular prenatal checkups to discussions on safe childbirth practices as outlined by health standards. The summit also covered postpartum considerations, including the recommended number of postnatal visits based on national guidelines. These sessions aimed to equip mothers with factual knowledge aligned with the Department of Health's maternal care protocols.
City Officials Rally Behind Health Initiative
The event saw strong political and administrative support, highlighting maternal health as a top priority for the local government. City Legal Officer Atty. Ava Mari Ramel attended alongside Councilors Mayeth Casal-Uy, Bernadette Sese, Arlene Ortega, and Joel Ariones. Their presence underscored a unified approach where legal frameworks, legislative action, and medical execution converge for public good. For many attendees, the summit provided a rare opportunity to ask questions directly to both medical professionals and their elected representatives. By hosting the event at the accessible Makati Coliseum, the city ensured high participation and maximum community impact.
