OCA-GAD Donates 100 Hygiene Kits to Admitted Mothers at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital

(At the center is Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S.Cruz, on his left is Doctor Estrella O. Jusi with representative doctors and nurses of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, and members of GAD Focal Point System of OCA, Photo courtesy of Ms. Erica Cruz of OCA)

MANILA 11 June 2024 – In celebration of Mother’s Day and Safe Motherhood Week, the Department of Foreign Affairs - Office of Consular Affairs (DFA - OCA) has successfully conducted its first ever fundraising activity entitled “OCA Bazaar” which was held from 13 May 2024 until 17 May 2024.

The Bazaar aimed to provide economic opportunities for small-scale entrepreneurs to showcase and promote their locally manufactured products, and consequently, collect funds for the hygiene kits of the admitted mothers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.

A total of twenty-two (22) merchants participated in the said activity. Consular applicants and OCA personnel enjoyed a wide array of local food and products that were sold during the event.

The Gender and Development Focal Point System (OCA-GFPS) also had a booth called “OCAy-OCAy Para Kay Nanay” which sold secondhand items like clothes, bags, books, etc. donated by its very own OCA personnel. Due to the warm support it received, the operations of the OCAy-OCAy were extended for another week to allow the sales of the remaining items.

A total of 100 hygiene kits were produced from the total collection of participation fees from the merchants, donations, and part of the sales from the OCAy-OCAy. The kits were personally repackaged by the OCA-GFPS prior to the turnover. Each hygiene kit is composed of maternity and baby diapers, wipes, tissue, face mask, alcohol, dental kit, and distilled water.

The hygiene kits were turnovered to the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital on 07 June 2024 which was led by Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz of OCA. A short program was held which was attended by members of the GFPS of OCA and the hospital.

OCA recognizes the invaluable contribution of all mothers to economic progress and nation-building of all women, whether they chose to play an active role in the productive or reproductive sphere, or both simultaneously. More importantly, the Office also recognizes the difficulty of birth-giving, the risks that come with it.

The Office hopes that through the donation of the hygiene kits, it was able to contribute in addressing the practical gender needs and in a way express its utmost appreciation to their motherhood journey and help alleviate the multiple burdens faced by all mothers.

Due to the positive feedback received by the activity, the OCA-GFPS plans to replicate the OCA Bazaar in other celebrations related to gender and development and otherwise. Proceeds from these may be donated or used in other charitable activities. END

(Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Launching of the OCA-Bazaar headed by OCA Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, HRMO Assistant Secretary Christopher B. Montero, and OCA-GAD Focal Ana Angela Cabillan, photo courtesy of OCA-PITS)

(Members of the GFPS and Office of the Assistant Secretary of OCA preparing the hygiene kits, Photo courtesy of Ms. Ira Rodillas of OCA)

(Ms. Jhenishia Aimae C. Villanueva and her new born baby, one of the recipients of the hygiene kits at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, Photo courtesy of Ms. Maebel Perez of OCA)

(At the center is Assistant Secretary Adelio Angelito S. Cruz, On his right is Deputy Assistant Secretary Arman R. Talbo, On his left is Principal Assistant and GAD Focal Point Ana Angela Cabillan, and the Members of the OCA and GFPS and Office of the Assistant Secretary preparing the hygiene kits, Photo courtesy of Ms. Ira Rodillas of OCA)