"Hindi Lang Para sa Mga Nanay. Para sa Mga Bata.": Unang Isang Libong Araw
For Adarna Group Foundation, Inc. (AGFI), Unang Isang Libong Araw (UILA) is the first step to turning Anao, Tarlac into a community of readers.
The program aims to train health workers on the promotion of health, nutrition, and early stimulation to pregnant women and parents with children up to two years old. It has supported learning partners in the municipality since 2022, under the Step by Step partnership between AGFI and LBC Hari ng Padala Foundation, Inc.
According to Anaoeño learning partners, UILA has been a big help to the rural health unit (RHU). The program is said to provide quality training materials that complement the existing health projects, capacitate expecting patients, and guide local families. It has eight training videos for the health workers and three mother-baby booklets for the pregnant and parent stakeholders.
Municipal Nutrition Action Officer Maricris Galvan noted that the videos boost their local initiatives. In her words, “Nagsisilbing gabay sa pagpapaunlad ng mga programang pangkalusugan. Napapanahon upang masolusyonan ang malnutrisyon.” (“They serve as a guide in advancing our nutrition programs, and are timely in resolving malnutrition.”) Lorena Ermitanio-Dequilla, a rural health midwife and the UILA point person, shared the same sentiment towards the booklets: “Naisabay sa temang New Normal Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang Gawan ng Solusyon. Nakakatulong paano alagaan anak nila [mga buntis], paano bigyan ng tamang pagkain.” (“They were in line with the theme New Normal Nutrisyon, Sama-Samang Gawan ng Solusyon. They help [pregnant women] feed and care for their child.”)
Mommy Michelle, one of the UILA stakeholders and on her second trimester then, saw the booklets as a “stepping stone” and “helpful guide” throughout her pregnancy. Based on her experience, these proved easy to understand and contained the information she needed on nutrition and exercise.
As designed by AGFI, UILA is integrated into the health activities and systems of the municipality for smoother implementation. Health workers conduct learning sessions, video viewings, and booklet distributions during prenatal check-ups, mother’s classes, Under Five clinics, and monthly weight monitoring. From perceiving the program as additional work, health workers now find it a fulfilling task. “Kasi nakakapagdagdag sila ng kaalaman sa mga buntis in a simple way,” (Because they are able to capacitate pregnant women in a simple way,”) explained Lorena. As former Nurse Romina Dela Cruz observed, the pregnant women has indeed shown “interest” and “willingness” to learn under the program.
Overall, UILA is recommended by a first-time parent like Michelle. “Laking tulong,” she praised. Should partner organizations or other municipalities adopt the program, Romina advised them to take “initiative” to use the reading materials. Quoting Lorena and Maricris, “dedikasyon” (“dedication”) and “tiyaga” (“perseverance”) are needed in the implementation— “Hindi lang para sa mga nanay. Para sa mga bata.” (Not just for mothers, but also for the children.”)