UNICEF health kits bring care and hope for mothers in crisis
Prepositioned supplies met mothers where they were, turning panic into protection in Cebu’s hardest-hit communities during an earthquake
In Daanbantayan and San Remigio, two of the most affected areas hit by the 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Cebu that left children and families frightened and displaced, mothers instinctively shielded their little ones.
They are the ilaw ng tahanan – the family’s guiding light. But even the brightest falter under fear, exhaustion, and the weight of survival.
Two mothers shared how UNICEF’s life-saving health kits, which were requested by the Center for Health and Development to help address critical supply gaps after the earthquake and Typhoon Tino (International Name: Kalmaegi) that followed a month after, offered them a lifeline in those challenging times.
Courage in a body that trembles
Honey Lyn, a mother of two from Daanbantayan, appears calm and serene at first glance. But behind that composed exterior is a mother who lives with a debilitating condition that limits her mobility and leaves her relying on others to walk. When the earthquake struck, she was overcome with panic.
“Nangurog ko ug nalisang. Wala ko kalihok, naka sandig nalang ko sa pader (I was trembling and utterly confused. I couldn’t move so I pressed my back against the wall),” Honelyn recalled that night. The relentless aftershocks that followed would leave her shaking and in tears. She begged her husband to stay by her side constantly, but his duties as a Barangay Tanod kept him moving throughout their village to help others.
She stayed with her 12-year-old son, 11-year-old daughter, and her mother, all seeking safety together. When aftershocks sent her children into panic, she urged them to stay still and breathe. Despite her own fears, she chose to steady them with her quiet composure each time the ground trembled beneath.
Honey Lyn received support from health workers who crossed vast farmlands to conduct routine checkups and bring her much-needed supplies. “Dako pud ug tabang kay dili nako maguol kung unsaon pagpalit (It’s a huge help because at least I don’t have to worry about how I can buy my essentials),” she said.
Rebuilding an old life, cradling a new one
Ana Marie “Matiya” Agabay met UNICEF staff while waiting for her turn for medical consultation in Barangay Gawaygaway, San Remigio, an upland, hard-to-reach community. “Magpa check-up ko kay naga-ubo man gud ko panagsa, unya si Dodong sad umuubo. Kay ga-totoy siguro siya nako. Dala ng hangin siguro (I’m getting myself checked because of occasional coughs. Dudung is also coughing. Maybe because I breastfeed him. Maybe it’s airborne),” she explained.
The ”Dodong” she is referring to is her two-month-old son. It wasn’t too long ago when he was in Matiya’s womb when the powerful earthquake struck. “Natakot jud ko. Akala ko madadaganan kami at mabagsakan sa aming bahay (I was really scared. I thought we would be buried under our house).”
While Matiya, Ana Grace, and the child in her womb were unharmed, their whole house crumbled to the ground. She gave birth to Dodong a week after the earthquake and stayed with relatives while waiting to go back to their homes. Many residents of Gawaygaway have not been able to return to their homes due to a landslide. Worse, Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi) hit a month after the earthquake, adding to the suffering of children and their families.
Living with an infant in a full household has its own challenges. A single cry from her son would be enough to wake the whole household in the middle of the night. Fortunately, her extended family helps her out with childcare duties.
Despite the struggles, Matiya is thankful for the safety of her children and only wishes for her children to stay healthy. She actively seeks regular medical care as they try to rebuild their lives. “Makahibalo ta kung unsa atong mga sakit-sakit. Matagaan sad ta ug tambal kay naa may ingana na medical mission. Then, mga free na tambal. Mas nindot jud na (This is important because we want to know what’s going on with our bodies and what sickness we are dealing with. We also receive free medication during checkups),” said Matiya.
Health Kits That Meet Mothers Where They Are
UNICEF health kit contents range from alcohol, gauze pads, and wound-dressing materials that mothers like Honey Lyn rely on for daily care, to blood pressure medication and other maintenance medication needed by nursing mothers like Matiya who endure sleepless nights. They also contain vitamins to strengthen immunity.
These kits help bridge the gaps when local health systems are stretched thin. UNICEF helps local communities keep these essentials available so that children and their parents are never left without support, especially when they need it the most.
How You Can Help
Thanks to the generous contributions of individual donors like you, UNICEF and their partners have been able to work with the Government and other stakeholders to ensure that every child receive life-saving support before, during and after emergencies .
Please consider donating to UNICEF at https://donate.unicef.ph/campaign/champions. We very much appreciate your contribution.
