World Health Day: Focus on maternal and newborn health

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Apr 7, 2025 00:04 AM

  

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Today, April 7, 2025, marks the 77th observance by the United Nations of World Health Day. Focusing on maternal and newborn health, this year’s celebration is themed "Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures," beaming the spotlight on the urgency of ending preventable deaths.

The World Health Organization (WHO) is urging governments and the health community to take action in promoting four vital goals: first, improve survival rates for women and babies; second, promote healthy pregnancies, births, and postnatal health; third, advocate for laws and policies that safeguard women's health and rights; and fourth, ensure access to vital family planning services.  

Indeed, maternal and newborn health are vital keys for attaining lifelong health, building stronger communities, and securing a better future for all. 

Ensuring that every Filipino mother experiences a safe pregnancy and childbirth, and that every newborn is given the best possible start in life, is not just a public health concern—it is a national priority that directly impacts the country’s future. Yet, despite progress in maternal and child health, the Philippines continues to face significant challenges that threaten its ability to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other overarching development objectives.

While the country has seen improvements in maternal and newborn health indicators over the years, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remains a critical concern. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country recorded 189 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022—far from the SDG target of reducing MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Neonatal mortality also remains high, with preventable causes such as premature birth, birth asphyxia, and infections accounting for a significant proportion of newborn deaths.  

Several key challenges hinder progress in maternal and newborn health.

First is the persistent disparity in healthcare access, particularly for women in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Many rural communities lack adequately equipped health facilities and skilled birth attendants, forcing expectant mothers to either endure unsafe home deliveries or undertake arduous journeys to access care. Second, financial constraints prevent many families from seeking timely maternal and newborn health services, even with the expansion of PhilHealth coverage. Third, adolescent pregnancies continue to rise, exacerbating maternal health risks and perpetuating cycles of poverty. Additionally, gaps in family planning services and health education contribute to unplanned pregnancies and increased maternal health risks.

The Philippines can learn valuable lessons from other Asian countries in improving maternal and newborn health. Thailand, for instance, has successfully reduced maternal and neonatal mortality through a universal health coverage system that ensures financial protection for expectant mothers. Vietnam has strengthened its community health network, providing maternal health services even in the most remote areas. Bangladesh, despite economic constraints, has dramatically reduced neonatal mortality by promoting skilled birth attendance and kangaroo mother care for premature infants.

A multi-faceted approach is imperative.  Strengthening healthcare infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, and ensuring that every barangay has access to skilled midwives and birth attendants should be a top priority. Expanding financial protection for maternal healthcare, scaling up adolescent reproductive health education, and intensifying efforts to prevent teenage pregnancies must also be central to the country’s strategy. Lastly, a strong political commitment to maternal and newborn health, backed by sustained investment, will be crucial in achieving long-term improvements.

Gabri Panlilio - Strength and calm amid the storm

BY PUNCH LIWANAG

Apr 7, 2025 07:29 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• A music artist who’s breaking into the scene but experienced nonetheless, plus armed with a background in theater and musicals, she is leaning into the message of her song “Calm” to get a particular message across.

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Gabri Panlilio

One is never really alone. That much, at least, is at the heart of who and what Gabri Panlilio is all about. A music artist who’s breaking into the scene but experienced nonetheless, plus armed with a background in theater and musicals, she is leaning into the message of her song “Calm” to get a particular message across. 

But let’s dive into her song first. Released midyear in 2024, “Calm” sounds like it's been plucked from a libretto. It's a melancholic hymn rising with delicate-sounding harmonies of Gabri’s vocals as it ripples, stacked one on top of the other. Listening to Gabri does conjure an image of an actress on center stage, with a lone spotlight on her, elucidating a key issue of her story. Think Fantine on Les Miserables or any Disney animated heroine, for that matter.

And then there’s the theme. As Gabri almost quavers with emotion, singing, “open my eyes / how I fall in this nightmare / help me see everything that is real.” Later, she trills, “crashing down now rushing in sadness / oh it’s just my mind / when I’m down I’ll stand my ground / so that I come back  strong.” It gets better somewhat as the song progresses, but it’s evident that just below the surface, anxiety is bubbling underneath.  

“Calm” is about the unbelievable pressures people sometimes heap upon themselves. Women especially face unrealistic beauty standards and expectations. A personality like oneself is hard work as it is; what more one is liked by everyone else is even more challenging.  Oftentimes, while maintaining an image liked by all, it becomes an unrelenting loop of personal discontent. 

Gabri concurs, “Especially with society now, we want to be a certain someone in a world that compares. Which we shouldn’t because we all have our individuality,” intones Gabri. She adds, “It’s become a cliche because, let’s be real, it’s hard. It’s a process to be a better version of yourself.”  

The resulting depression, mental health, and eating disorders are just some of the issues that arise from peer and societal pressures. And Gabri has been through it all herself. Which is what eventually led her to write “Calm.” “I realized that sharing my struggles can resonate with others and create connections. It reminded me that my experiences can inspire those who feel similarly, no matter how challenging.”

This brings us to the present with the just-released music video of “Calm,” which is now on YouTube for every person who’s going through the same struggles to see. In it, we see Gabri navigating dysfunction and pressure: a family that doesn’t see eye to eye, pressure from a looming parental figure, her see-saw personal struggles, and the inevitable crash in the end. It’s tragic, but it does have a silver lining. 

“The trigger for ‘Calm’ came from my own experiences with anxiety and from observing the pressures that many face. I wanted to convey a personal message. This song reflects the exploration of my mental health journey and the realization that vulnerability can be a source of strength,” Gabri expounded. 

She goes further, “Celebrating our own individuality is essential. Also, take time to recharge. It’s about embracing imperfections and understanding that true beauty comes from within.” 

“Redundant as it may be, we all go through these obstacles. But we are never alone.”   

“Calm” is written and recorded by Gabri Panlilio, produced by Patricia Lasaten, and mixed and mastered by Boggie Manipon. Check out the official music video on Gabri Panlilio’s official YT channel.  

Fil-Am hitter makes presence felt

BY MARK REY MONTEJO

Apr 7, 2025 03:06 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• And in the Lady Spikers’ 25-22, 25-13, 25-23 romp of University of the East Lady Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, April 5, Santos was indeed locked and loaded as she delivered well in her longest playing time in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

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Filipino-American hitter Jillian Santos is always ready whenever De La Salle University head coach Ramil de Jesus calls her name.

Filipino-American hitter Jillian Santos makes her presence felt for La Salle. (UAAP Media)

And in the Lady Spikers’ 25-22, 25-13, 25-23 romp of University of the East Lady Warriors at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, April 5, Santos was indeed locked and loaded as she delivered well in her longest playing time in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.    

“I’m grateful I have a lot of experience in playing volleyball, and I think I’ve been in my adjustment process, adapting the system of play,” said the 22-year-old Santos who tallied six points with four excellent digs and four excellent receptions to complement another superb performance from Angel Canino and Shevana Laput for La Salle. 

“And I think the thing that keeps me going are my teammates, first and foremost, and I have my full trust in my coaches,” she added. “We’ve been working hard everyday, in and out of the gym.”

Despite a limited time on the floor, the former University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) player just kept herself laser-focused on her mission of helping La Salle in any possible ways.

“At the end of the day, whenever I’m needed, I hope I’ll be able to contribute to the team and help further their success,” continued Santos, who has two remaining eligible years in the UAAP.

Before suiting up for the Taft-based squad, Santos suited up for National University and UST in UAAP juniors.  

In the collegiate ranks, Santos was initially part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in Season 84, but wasn’t able to see action and was forced to transfer to UIC.

Meanwhile, La Salle jumped to second spot thanks to its three consecutive wins which hiked its slate to 8-3.

Human and demonic malice can only go so far

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

THIS is what we can gather from the story of the beautiful Susannah who was the object of lust by two elderly men and who was falsely accused of wrongdoing because she refused to accede to their evil request. (cfr. Daniel 13,41c-62)

These two elders occupied high positions in the community, being appointed judges. This fact somehow reminds us that our capacity to do evil does not depend on how young or how old we are. 

We are capable of doing evil at any age—with the exception perhaps of the innocent children and those with certain disabilities. And the good things—wealth, talents, prestige, power, etc.—that we enjoy can be used to pursue an evil plan. In fact, the better endowed we are, the greater and graver malice we can commit.

That is why we should be most careful with whatever human and God-given gifts we may have. They should only be used and enjoyed with God always and with the good of others in mind. Using and enjoying them simply for ourselves can only mean disaster for us, sooner or later, one way or another.

The story of Susannah also reminds us that it always pays to stick to what is truly good for us, even if by so doing may involve great sacrifice. Of course, what is truly good for us is to obey the commandments of God and to carry out God’s will and ways. We should be willing to prefer suffering, and even death, if it has to come to that point, rather than to accede to do evil.

We should be wary of our tendency to react to the evil and malice inflicted on us in a purely human way. Without referring things to God, we can only become bitter and prone to fall into anger and hatred and to devise ways of how to get even with the evil doers.

We should not be afraid to be faithful to God at all costs. We know that even if we may appear to be a victim of the most heinous injustice in this life, God, in his own mysterious ways, can never be outsmarted by whatever complicated malicious plots and schemes we may encounter in life. God’s providence is all powerful, all wise and all effective. He can even draw good from evil.

And so, we should not allow ourselves to sink into unnecessary worries and anxiety when we appear to be victimized by the malice of men and the devil. They cannot go far really. Sooner or later, the truth will always come out, and justice will always be served, if not in this life, then surely in the next.

We should never sacrifice charity which should cover even those who play the role of villains in our life. Remember that Christ told us clearly that we have to love even our enemies. (cfr. Mt 5,44) Obviously, we can only do that if we truly identify ourselves with Christ.

In the end, what truly matters is that we identify ourselves with Christ. With him, nothing can bother us. As St. Paul said in his Letter to the Romans, all things, including the negative elements in our life, will work out for the good. (cfr. 8,28)

We should see to it that we are spiritually and morally healthy and strong as we tackle all the possible cases of human and demonic malice that we may encounter in our life.

Using the law to perpetuate injustice

BY FR. ROLANDO V. DE LA ROSA, OP

Apr 6, 2025 00:04 AM

  

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THROUGH UNTRUE

 

The words of Jesus, “Let the one among you who is without sin throw the first stone” (Luke 8:7), remind me of a poem that goes:

 

When somebody yields 
to temptation 
And breaks one of God’s laws,
We don’t care about how 
he was tempted, 
Nor do we consider how he fought; 
His name becomes food 
for the jackals — 
For us who have never been caught!

 

Jesus directs His words to a crowd led by the scribes and Pharisees, self-proclaimed enforcers and interpreters of the law. They demand that Jesus apply the full extent of the law to a woman allegedly caught in the act of adultery. Jesus must have sensed the hypocrisy in their actions and their feigned concern for justice. If they saw the woman committing the crime, where is her partner? She could not have committed adultery alone.

Their manipulative rhetoric reveals the contradiction between their actions and intentions. They present themselves as defenders of religious and moral righteousness, but their false narrative distorts the public’s understanding of law’s true purpose. 

Laws generally provide a framework to resolve disputes, protect rights, and maintain social order. The image of a blindfolded Lady Justice, holding a sword and scales, symbolizes fairness and impartiality within the legal system. The blindfold signifies that justice should be dispensed without bias or prejudice, with each case judged solely on the facts and evidence presented.

In practice, however, this ideal of impartiality raises essential questions about the fairness of law enforcement. While laws are meant to be objective, their rigid application often fails to account for individual circumstances. This lack of flexibility can create a disconnect between the legal system and the people it is meant to serve.

We see this in the harsh enforcement of drug-related laws that disproportionately target poor and marginalized communities. Similarly, lawyers who defend powerful politicians involved in corruption, cronyism, and nepotism undermine justice by exploiting legal loopholes. They transform the “rule of law” into the “rule of lawyers.”

In the Gospels, Jesus radically reinterprets or dismantles legal structures that have become instruments of oppression rather than justice. He emphasizes that the Pharisees’ obsession with the law causes them to overlook its true essence — love, mercy, and justice (Mark 2:23-28). The Pharisees’ strict interpretation of the law became such a heavy burden that it oppressed ordinary people (Matthew 23:4). Furthermore, Jesus highlights that while they outwardly uphold the law, their unreasonable demands are causing harm and suffering to others (Mark 7:1-13).

In today’s Gospel reading, the scribes and Pharisees bring the “adulterous” woman to Jesus, expecting Him to be caught in a dilemma that will force Him to condemn her. But Jesus wisely evades their trap by diverting the discourse to a reality that transcends human law. He asks them to examine themselves and recognize that, as human beings, they too are, in many ways, just like the woman — they are also prone to sin. He reminds them that when faced with human sinfulness, the best response is not to condemn, but to acknowledge our common brokenness and our need for God’s mercy and forgiveness.

For Jesus, mercy and forgiveness are more eloquent expressions of God’s justice. He does not delight in punishment or retribution. He is intent more in restoring and healing what has been broken. As we read in the Bible: “I don’t take pleasure in seeing the sinners die. I had much rather see them turn back from their sins and live” (Ezekiel 18:23). 

However, God’s forgiveness invites us to respond to it. Notice that after Jesus frees the woman from the condemnation of the crowd, He firmly instructs her, “Go, and from now on, do not sin anymore” (John 8:11). 

Emotion, expression

BY JULLIE Y. DAZA

Apr 5, 2025 00:19 AM

  

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MEDIUM RARE

 

If music is poetry with sound, thank God for its language that speaks to the soul. Musicians are not necessarily emotional people, they just know how to demonstrate their feelings through music.

What is expression but letting go, whether as a sigh, whisper, oration, a plea or prayer.

The audience experienced a triple dose of feelings and emotions when they attended a one-night-only concert featuring tenor Arthur Espiritu, soprano Jade Riccio, and virtuoso pianist Mariel Ilusorio at Miranila Heritage House last April 2, Wednesday. Three in one, a triple treat.

Arthur has been all over the world, throughout Asia, America, Europe. As a tenor, he is good-looking, he’s not fat and he has expressive eyes and a seemingly natural ability to communicate with his audience as soon as he steps on stage. Quoting the souvenir program, he was born in Morong, Rizal.
Arthur’s repertoire included operatic arias and love songs, but it was “All I Ask of You” from Phantom of the Opera, that the crowd applauded with verve and bravura. When I turned my head, I saw former Senate president Frank Drilon applauding enthusiastically, with his wife Mila beside him. Frank is just about the only recognizable government official, then as now, who attends concerts. Among the first ladies, there was the late Ming Ramos and there’s Imelda Marcos, who has a VIP box at CCP, her creation.   

Sharing the spotlight with Arthur Espiritu was soprano Jade Riccio, who’s Italian-Filipino, who’s been collecting awards and prizes (including Aliw Awards 2024 Hall of Fame) and music students. Her music academy boasts 400 international students.

On piano, Mariel Ilusorio, who teaches music in a number of universities, accompanied Arthur and Jade in each of their solo performances, her piano acting like an orchestra of 60 musicians. In addition, Mariel introduced each of the singers’ repertoire to their audience, providing text and context.    

I rather like Miranila as a venue for concerts. As a heritage house and library, it exudes a feeling of intimacy, nothing grand but quite cozy. The trees are old, lanterns hanging from them conveying an old-fashioned vibe.  As long as it has been taking Cultural Center to be done with its restoration, smaller theaters like Miranila and Samsung are as necessary as oxygen. 

Stars come out for ABS-CBN Ball 2025

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Apr 5, 2025 11:43 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Experience the magic of Filipino storytelling and see your favorite Kapamilya stars in their red-carpet looks by tuning in on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, iWantTFC, and TFC-IPTV. Catch the replays on Metro Channel starting April 6 and on Kapamilya Channel and TFC-IPTV beginning April 13.

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Coco Martin and Julia Montes

It was a night of 100 celebrities or even more. Imagine a gathering of stars all in one place, and it felt like a big celebration of talent and fun.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as actors, musicians, and very important persons (VIPs) mingled and shared laughs. Everyone was dressed to impress, from stunning gowns to stylish tuxedos, creating a vibrant and glamorous vibe. It was one of those nights where everyone was having a great time, making it truly unforgettable. 

Stars and VIPs walked the red carpet at Solaire North in Quezon City on April 4. The ABS-CBN Ball, previously known as the Star Magic Ball, started in 2007 and has become one of the most anticipated events in the entertainment industry. 

This year, ABS-CBN celebrates the power of Filipino storytelling at the much-awaited "ABS-CBN Ball 2025: Brighter Together" by paying tribute to the stories that inspire, entertain, and uplift while reflecting the lives, hopes, and dreams of Filipinos worldwide.

Aside from honoring the stars and people who bring these stories to life, the ABS-CBN Ball also shines a spotlight on the dedicated individuals behind the scenes—employees and creatives—whose passion and talent help elevate Filipino storytelling, and industry partners—networks, digital platforms, and advertisers—who help bring meaningful stories to more audiences worldwide.

This year’s ball is an event with a cause: a portion of the proceeds will support the ABS-CBN Foundation’s programs.

Experience the magic of Filipino storytelling and see your favorite Kapamilya stars in their red-carpet looks by tuning in on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel, iWantTFC, and TFC-IPTV. Catch the replays on Metro Channel starting April 6 and on Kapamilya Channel and TFC-IPTV beginning April 13.

Check out some of the eye-catching looks from the ABS-CBN Ball 2025 in these snaps shared by Nice Print Photography and ABS-CBN:

Jane De Leon

BINI Aiah

BINI Maloi

BINI Stacey

BINI Gwen

BINi Colet

BINI Sheena

BINI Mikha

BINI Jhoanna

Janine Gutierrez

Andrea Bautista

Anne Curtis-Smith

Rep. Arjo Atayde

Ashley Ortega and Mavy Legaspi

Chai Fonacier and Jake Cuenca

Charo Santos-Concio

Annette Gozon-Valdes (Instagram)

Sharon Cuneta and former Sen. Kiko Pangilinan (Instagram)

Daniel Padilla

Darren Espanto

Cassandra Danielle B. Ynares and mom Andrea Bautista. Cassandra is the granddaughter of former Rizal Governors Casimiro 'Ito' Ynares and Rebecca 'Nini' Ynares, and the niece of Senator Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. Carrying on her family’s legacy of public service, Cassandra is a passionate advocate for youth development and welfare, with a special focus on children’s mental health. She is committed to creating supportive environments where young people can thrive emotionally and intellectually.

Dimples Romana

Dominic Roque and Sue Ramirez

Donny Pangilinan and Belle Mariano

Elisse Joson

Seth Fedelin and Francine Diaz

Fyang Smith and JM Ibarra

Gary V and Angeli Pangilinan

Gerald Anderson and Julia Barretto

Heart Evangelista

Ivana Alawi

Kaladkaren

Kathryn Bernardo

KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad

Kim Chiu and Paolo Avelino

Kyle Echarri

Direk Lauren Dyogi

Lovi Poe

Maris Racal

Maymay Entrata

Melai Cantiveros

Nadine Lustre

Regine Velasquez and Ogie Alcasid

Piolo Pascual

Richard Gutierrez

Samantha Bernardo

Sofronio Vasquez

Vice Ganda

JhaiHo