“Filipino mothers are vital cornerstone of strong families and communities that will ensure sustainable progress across all areas of development. Thus, promoting and protecting the health and well-being of Filipino women is of utmost importance.”

This was the message of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman during the International Day of Action for Women’s Health held recently at the Serbisyong Bayan Park, Batasang Pambansa Road, Quezon City.

The theme of this year’s celebration underscores the important role that women play in nation building. Women’s health and the mother’s capacity to ensure her family’s health is vital to empower the community in helping them help themselves out of poverty. Secretary Soliman added.

“It is the right of every woman to live healthy and ensure the well-being of her family. The Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino program and the provision of basic health services of the national and local health units would help provide mothers the capacity to do so,” Secretary Soliman stated.

The Pantawid Pamilya program empowers mothers to take part in community development through their attendance in Family Development Sessions (FDS) and skills livelihood training.

Organized by the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), the event was joined by women representatives from the urban poor and civil society organizations, the local government unit of Quezon City, and concerned agencies, such as DSWD, Department of Health and the Philippine Commission on Women. ###