Via GRAPHIC PLUS | Cebu City, Philippines — In communities where access to maternal healthcare can mean the difference between life and death for both mother and child, two mothers found hope, healing, and support through the First 1000 Days (F1KD) Maternal and Early Childhood Health Care Program.
The initiative is a collaborative program of PHINMA Foundation, PHINMA Education, and Bell-KenzFoundation Inc. (BKFI), the corporate social responsibility arm of Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc., aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare in underserved communities.
Piloted in Cebu, the program brings together healthcare professionals, educators, and community partners to directly engage with mothers and children during the critical first 1,000 days — from pregnancy until a child’s second birthday.
“The F1KD program supports 70 mother-and-child beneficiaries and focuses on nutrition, health education, and access to essential care during the critical first 1,000 days,” said Heide Foulc of PHINMA Education.
For 21-year-old Angel Amosa of Sambag, pregnancy came with uncertainty and hardship. Raising 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. Without access to consistent maternal healthcare and proper nutrition guidance, she navigated pregnancy with little support before becoming part of the F1KD program supported by BKFI and its partners.
Early Identification Through Community Partnership
Angel and Mary were identified through coordinated community health profiling conducted by Southwestern University PHINMA and Barangay Health Units. Pregnant women from underserved communities were carefully assessed using structured criteria, including household income, living conditions, and maternal risk factors. The goal was to ensure that mothers who truly needed support were reached early in their pregnancy.
Angel was enrolled at around four months pregnant, allowing her to begin structured prenatal care during a critical stage of development for both mother and child.
Lifesaving Maternal Support
Through the First 1000 Days (F1KD) Program, supported by Bell-Kenz Foundation Inc., the mothers received consistent prenatal check-ups, monthly laboratory tests, and essential nutrition care such as milk, vitamins, and supplements. They also attended regular parenting and nutrition education sessions facilitated by healthcare professionals, including dieticians from Southwestern Medical Center.
During Mary’s pregnancy, she was diagnosed with elevated blood sugar levels, prompting 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, but now I understand how important they are for the baby’s health.”
Despite the difficulties, Mary said her health significantly improved compared 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 through parenting and health education sessions covering 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 not only for mothers but for 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 by providing breastfeeding guidance, monthly maternal and infant milk provision, vitamin supplementation, and regular health monitoring for children.
With consistent care and close supervision, their children continue to grow healthy and strong — 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 contribute towards helping solve the long-standing nutrition problem in the country. The program strives not only to provide quality maternal care, but also to empower 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.
, the corporate social responsibility arm of Bell-Kenz Pharma Inc., aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare in underserved communities.){kind=link}