Cebu City, Philippines — In some communities, access to maternal healthcare can mean the difference between life and death. In these places, two mothers found hope, healing, and support. They joined the First 1000 Days (F1KD) Maternal and Early Childhood Health Care Program.
PHINMA Foundation, PHINMA Education, and Bell-Kenz Foundation Inc. (BKFI) run the initiative together. BKFI is the corporate social responsibility arm of Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc. The program aims to improve maternal and child healthcare in underserved communities.
The program was piloted in Cebu. It brings together healthcare professionals, educators, and community partners. They engage directly with mothers and children during the critical first 1,000 days. That period runs from pregnancy until a child’s second birthday.
“The F1KD program supports 70 mother-and-child beneficiaries,” said Heide Foulc of PHINMA Education. “It focuses on nutrition, health education, and access to essential care during the critical first 1,000 days.”
For 21-year-old Angel Amosa of Sambag, pregnancy came with uncertainty and hardship. She raised her newborn daughter alone. With no partner support and limited income, Angel struggled to provide even the most basic needs during the early months of her pregnancy.
“Wala ko kabalo nga kinahanglan diay mag-amping ka sa imong kaon kung buntis ka,” Angel shared. (“I didn’t know before that you really need to take care of what you eat during pregnancy.”)
Like Angel, Mary Talledo, a mother of three, also faced challenges during pregnancy. She had no access to consistent maternal healthcare and proper nutrition guidance. Therefore, she navigated pregnancy with little support. Later, she became part of the F1KD program that BKFI and its partners support.
Early Identification Through Community Partnership
Southwestern University PHINMA and Barangay Health Units conducted a coordinated community health profiling. Through it, they identified Angel and Mary. They carefully assessed pregnant women from underserved communities using structured criteria. These included household income, living conditions, and maternal risk factors. The goal was to reach mothers who truly needed support early in their pregnancy.
Angel enrolled at around four months pregnant. As a result, she could begin structured prenatal care during a critical stage of development for both mother and child.
Lifesaving Maternal Support
The mothers joined the First 1000 Days (F1KD) Program, which Bell-Kenz Foundation Inc. supports. Through it, they received consistent prenatal check-ups and monthly laboratory tests. They also received essential nutrition care such as milk, vitamins, and supplements. In addition, they attended regular parenting and nutrition education sessions. Healthcare professionals, including dieticians from Southwestern Medical Center, led them.
During Mary’s pregnancy, doctors diagnosed her with elevated blood sugar levels. This prompted immediate dietary intervention and close monitoring.
“I was advised to eat corn instead of rice at night and avoid sweets,” she shared. “Before, I didn’t know these things. Now I understand how important they are for the baby’s health.”
Despite the difficulties, Mary said her health improved significantly. She compared it to her previous pregnancies without medical support.
“Before, I was very thin and weak. Now I feel healthier, and my baby is also healthy,” she said.
Beyond Medical Care: Education and Empowerment
The F1KD program also focuses on empowering mothers. Parenting and health education sessions cover nutrition, childcare, breastfeeding, and emotional preparedness. The sessions give mothers the opportunity to learn and build confidence in caring for their children.
“Minsan busy sa bahay, pero natututo pa rin ako,” Angel shared. (“Sometimes I get busy at home, but I still learn.”)
According to Heide Foulc of PHINMA Education, community-based maternal care creates long-term impact. It benefits not only mothers but entire families.
“Healthy mothers lead to healthier families and stronger communities,” she said.
Kaagapay sa Kalinga: Bell-Kenz Foundation’s Commitment to Maternal and Child Health
Through its Kaagapay sa Kalinga advocacy, Bell-Kenz Foundation Inc. continues to support mothers beyond childbirth. It provides breastfeeding guidance and monthly maternal and infant milk. It also provides vitamin supplementation and regular health monitoring for children.
With consistent care and close supervision, their children continue to grow healthy and strong. This is a testament to the program’s enduring commitment to maternal and child wellness.
According to Patrick Larraga, Corporate Branding and Public Affairs Head of Bell-Kenz Pharma, “every mother deserves the opportunity to bring life into the world healthy, safely, and with dignity. This initiative reinforces Bell-Kenz Pharma’s thrust to make life better for all Filipinos.”
He adds, “With a program like F1KD, we aim to help solve the long-standing nutrition problem in the country. The program strives to provide quality maternal care. It also empowers mothers through education, proper nutrition, and continuous support.”
For Angel and Mary, the program has become more than just assistance. It has become a turning point in their lives.
“Salamat kaayo kay gi-tabangan ko nila,” they shared simply. (“I am very thankful because they helped me.”)
For more information about the F1KD program, visit www.bell-kenz.net
