BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA
Every second week of May, while the world celebrates Mother’s Day, the Philippines also observes Safe Motherhood Week, an occasion that goes beyond greetings and flowers to emphasize care, safety, and respect for mothers.
This week-long campaign highlights the importance of women’s health, especially during pregnancy, childbirth, and early child-rearing.
It aims to raise awareness on the need for proper healthcare access and education for mothers.
Safe Motherhood Week began in 1987 as a global initiative by the World Health Organization to reduce maternal deaths.
In 2023, the WHO recorded around 260,000 maternal deaths worldwide, mostly due to lack of healthcare access, unavailability of midwives or trained professionals, and poor education on safe pregnancy practices.
In the Philippines, the government marks the week with medical missions, seminars, free prenatal checkups, and forums across various provinces.
These activities not only honor the heroism of mothers but also promote their safety and well-being.
If we have time to give flowers on Mother’s Day, we should also have time to give them support, education, and healthcare throughout their journey as mothers.
So to all moms—Nanay, Mama, Mommy, Inay—thank you. You are our everyday heroes.
