GMA launches health program for children

President Gloria-Arroyo graced the launching of the Department of Health’s Garantisadong Pambata program in Maypajo, Caloocan City Monday.

In her speech before a crowd of nearly 3,000, mostly mothers with their children, Mrs. Arroyo said that her administration has managed to decrease the country’s child morbidity and mortality rates through the DOH’s health programs. "These programs are aimed to give Filipinos a better future but government needs your support to make them effective," she said in Filipino.

She added that while the Garantisadong Pambata in Caloocan is a one-week campaign, it will reap a lifetime of benefits for the people.

The information campaign on the project will run until April 6.

The launching was held at the Maypajo Elementary School.

Garantisadong Pambata aims to deliver a package of health services for children in order to reduce death and sickness, especially among those under five years old.

Mrs. Arroyo added that the Philippines’ birth rate has reached 2.3 percent every year, one of the highest in Asia.

Caloocan City Mayor Reynaldo Malonzo and city health officials assisted the President while she gave some children cradled by their mothers drops of Vitamin A.

Mrs. Arroyo also took the opportunity to remind Caloocan residents to vote for a straight PPC slate in the coming elections.

Garantisadong Pambata hopes to promote positive Filipino values for proper child growth and development as well as increase awareness of proper child rearing practices among mothers and caregivers and the provision of micronutrients and healthy foods. The second round of the health campaign will be on Oct. 15-19 this year. – Nikko Dizon