(Photo courtesy: Caloocan City Medical Center)

At 24 years old, Maria (not her real name) of Barangay 33 in Caloocan City, was about to embark on the most profound journey of her life – motherhood.

As she lay on the examination bed at the Caloocan City Medical Center (CCMC) in south Caloocan, awaiting her turn, her hands instinctively cradled her growing belly, a gentle reminder of the life blossoming within her. 

For Maria, the prospect of becoming a mother was a double-edged sword.

On one hand, she was overwhelmed with joy and anticipation, eager to welcome her first child into the world. 

On the other, the weight of financial insecurity loomed large, casting a shadow of doubt and uncertainty over what should have been a time of pure bliss.

As a co-breadwinner of her small family, Maria's meager earnings as a street vendor along Bustamante Street could barely cover their daily needs, let alone the additional time spent and expenses that came with a pregnancy. 

The thought of getting regular prenatal check-ups and affording the necessary medical care seemed like an insurmountable obstacle.

It was during one of her routine visits to their local health center that Maria learned about the city government's free weekly pelvic ultrasound program for expecting mothers. 

At first, she found it hard to believe – a service that would typically cost a significant portion of her earnings, now being offered at no cost, right in her own community, courtesy of the Caloocan City government.

The local government, through the initiative of the City Health Department (CHD), started offering weekly free pelvic ultrasound for pregnant women every Thursday for the duration of Women's Month.

Residents may also avail of the said service in various barangay health centers in the city, including Barangays 8, 149, 171, 174, and 176.

With cautious optimism, Maria decided to seize this opportunity, determined to provide the best possible care for her unborn child. On the appointed day on March 7, she made her way to the CCMC, her heart filled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation.

Upon arrival at the medical facility, Maria was greeted by a warm and welcoming staff, who guided her through the process with patience and compassion. As she lay on the examination bed, the gentle hum of the ultrasound machine filled the room, and within moments, the unmistakable image of her baby appeared on the screen.

It was a moment of pure magic, one that transcended all worries and fears. Tears of joy streamed down Maria's face as she witnessed the tiny life within her womb, a heartbeat that pulsed with the promise of a brighter future. The ultrasound not only provided vital information about her pregnancy's progress but also ignited a newfound sense of hope and empowerment within her.

As the Philippines celebrates Women's Month in March, the city of Caloocan stands as a beacon of hope for expecting mothers, offering a remarkable initiative that exemplifies the spirit of empowerment and compassion. 

In an effort to promote maternal health and well-being, the local government has introduced a free weekly pelvic ultrasound program, ensuring that every woman embarking on the sacred journey of motherhood receives the care and support she deserves.

"Kasabay po ng pagdiriwang ng buong bansa sa Buwan ng Kababaihan, isang paraan po natin upang makiisa sa selebrasyong ito ang pagbibigay ng libreng serbisyo para sa mga nanay. Batid po natin na maraming mga isyung pangkalusugan ang mga kababaihan, at mas lalo pa po natin itong pagtutuunan ng pansin kahit tapos na ang Women's Month," Mayor Dale Gonzalo "Along" Malapitan said.

(As the entire country is celebrating Women's Month, one of our ways to join this celebration is to provide free services for mothers. We know that women have many health issues, and we will focus on it even more even after Women's Month is over.)

Pregnancy is a profound and transformative experience, one that should be embraced with joy, confidence, and a profound sense of security. However, for many women, particularly those from underprivileged backgrounds, accessing essential prenatal care can be a daunting challenge, fraught with financial and logistical obstacles. 

Caloocan's free pelvic ultrasound program addresses this critical need, breaking down barriers and ensuring that every expecting mother, regardless of her socioeconomic status, can receive the necessary medical attention to monitor her pregnancy's progress and safeguard the well-being of both mother and child.

The significance of this initiative cannot be overstated. Pelvic ultrasounds play a vital role in prenatal care, providing medical professionals with invaluable insights into the development of the fetus, identifying potential complications, and enabling timely interventions when necessary. By offering these essential diagnostic services at no cost, Caloocan LGU is not only promoting maternal health but also fostering a sense of empowerment and agency among expecting mothers.

Through this program, the LGU demonstrates its unwavering commitment to uplifting and supporting mothers, fostering a sense of community and belonging that transcends socioeconomic boundaries.

"Magda-dalawang taon na mula po ng tayo ay maging alkalde ng Lungsod ng Caloocan, at wala pa rin pong patid ang pagtutok natin sa pangangalaga sa kalusugan ng ating mga kababayan. Maraming salamat po sa CHD sa pagtulong sa ating tuparin ang hangaring ito," Mayor Along added.

(It has been two years since I became the mayor of Caloocan City, and our focus on the health care of our countrymen still continues. Thank you very much to CHD for helping us fulfill this objective.)

From that day forward, Maria said she will make it a point to attend all the programs and services being provided by their LGU for women like her, cherishing each opportunity to witness her baby's growth and development. The once-daunting financial burden had been made lighter, allowing her to focus more on nurturing her own well-being and that of her unborn child.

As the nation celebrates Women's Month, Maria found herself filled with gratitude – grateful for the city government's compassionate initiative, grateful for the dedicated healthcare professionals who treated her with kindness and respect, and most of all, grateful for the precious life growing within her, a testament to the strength and resilience of motherhood. (JCO/PIA-NCR)