World Preeclampsia Day 2026
Maagang Tuklas, Ligtas na Bukas Laban sa Preeclampsia!
PSMFM Leads Nationwide Advocacy for World Pre-eclampsia Day 2026
The month of May is Preeclampsia Awareness Month, celebrated globally as an initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the signs and symptoms of this serious pregnancy complication to improve early detection and save lives. In the Philippines to mark World Pre-eclampsia Day, the Philippine Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine (PSMFM) organized a simultaneous nationwide caravan dedicated to maternal health, education, and community awareness last May 21, 2026. The multi-site event held from 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN brought specialized medical expertise directly to local communities. Centered on the local theme, “Maagang Tuklas, Ligtas na Bukas Laban sa Preeclampsia!“, the caravan focused on educating, empowering, and protecting expectant mothers from the complications of preeclampsia.
A Strong Turnout at the Metro Manila Flagship Site
The flagship celebration in Metro Manila took place at the Makati Coliseum on Mascardo Street, Makati City, serving as a hub for both medical services and community engagement. The event successfully brought together a dedicated group of healthcare providers and community members, including 79 Maternal and Fetal Medicine (MFM) Consultants and Fellows, 72 Eager Expectant Mothers and Patients, and 57 Local Government Unit (LGU) Midwives and Healthcare Staff. This collaboration underscored the essential partnership between maternal-fetal specialists and frontline community health workers in maintaining continuous, reliable care for high-risk pregnancies.
The Metro Manila program commenced with a stellar lineup of leaders who shared their inspiring visions for maternal healthcare. Warm welcome remarks were delivered by the dynamic City Mayor of Makati, Hon. Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay, who highlighted the city’s unwavering commitment to accessible public healthcare. She was joined by Dr. Saturnino P. Javier (Medical Director of Makati Medical Center) and Dr. Ramon T. Reyles (Section Chief, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine), both emphasizing the immense value of institution-to-community linkages.
Setting the professional standard for the day, Dr. Irene B. Quinio (President of PSMFM) and Dr. Marjorie Santos (Head of the POGS Committee on Maternal and Perinatal Welfare) provided powerful opening remarks that emphasized standard screening tools and the collaborative effort needed to reduce preeclampsia mortality rates nationwide.
The intellectual core of the morning was the highly informative Maternal Lay Forum, spearheaded by the expert Dr. Suzette Aguirre-Gisbert (MFM Specialist at Makati Medical Center). She masterfully broke down the complexities of preeclampsia into actionable, easy-to-understand guidance on its profound impact on maternal health, prevention protocols, and advanced clinical management. Expectant mothers actively participated in an engaging Open Forum, clearing up common misconceptions about hypertension in pregnancy.
The event also featured “Pregchella,” a lively segment dedicated to celebrating expectant mothers. Attendees, including the pregnant mothers and midwives, participated in a safe, modified Zumba session to encourage healthy physical movement during pregnancy. The morning concluded with interactive games, raffle draws, and the distribution of wellness giveaways and prizes.
A True Archipelago-Wide Movement: Simultaneous Regional Mobilization
Demonstrating a true nationwide reach, the caravan held simultaneous activities across various regional hubs outside Metro Manila, ensuring pregnant patients in provinces had access to the same specialized care.
| Region | Official Event Venue | Specialists in attendance | Patient attendance | Allied Medical Professionals in attendance |
| Region 1
(Northern Luzon) |
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital, Batac, Ilocos Norte | 4 | 45 | 5 |
| Region 2
(Cagayan Valley) |
Ifugao General Hospital Atrium, Lagawe, Ifugao | 12 | 162 | 15 |
| Region 3
(Central Luzon) |
Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital, City of San Fernando, Pampanga | 3 | 50 | 4 |
| Angeles University Foundation, Angeles, Pampanga | 3 | 44 | – | |
| Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Medical Center, McArthur Highway, City of San Fernando, Pampanga | 3 | 21 | 3 | |
| Bulacan Medical Center, Malolos, Bulacan | 2 | 30 | 3 | |
| Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, BUCAS Super Health Center | 1 | 94 | 8 | |
| Region 4
(Southern Tagalog) |
Quezon Medical Center | |||
| Region 5
(Bicol) |
Bicol Medical Center, Concepcion Pequena, Naga City, Camarines Sur | 4 | 100 | 10 |
| Region 10
(Northern Mindanao) |
Misamis Oriental Provincial Hospital, Iligan, and Abella Midway Hospital | 3 | 275 | 11 |
| Region 11
(Southern Mindanao) |
Southern Philippines Medical Center, Bajada, Davao City | 6 | 121 | 5 |
| Region 12
(Central Mindanao) |
Barangay San Isidro Health Center & Sarangani Provincial Hospital – Alabel | 2 | 70 + 118 | 25 |
| Region XIII
(Caraga) |
Manuel J. Santos Hospital, Montilla Blvd. Butuan City, Agusan del Norte | 7 | 38 | 18 |
| Negros Island Region (NIR) | Silay Civic Center |
Comprehensive, Free Clinical Services On-Site
True to its dedication to the Filipino pregnant women, PSMFM ensured that the celebration provided concrete, life-saving clinical interventions. Throughout the four-hour event, mothers were treated to free prenatal check-ups including:
- Free Obstetric Ultrasound Examinations: Providing direct measurement and evaluation of the fetus includes Biometry and Maternal and Fetal Doppler Velocimetry studies
- Anemia Screening: Identifying and managing iron deficiencies crucial for healthy deliveries
- Bone Screening: Assessing maternal calcium health to support the physical demands of pregnancy and post-partum period including breastfeeding
A Shared Commitment to Maternal Safety
The simultaneous events concluded with an inspiring closing remark from the PSMFM Vice President, Dr. Sherri Ann Suplido, as she extended her heartfelt gratitude to all organizers, pharmaceutical partners, LGU executives, and the brave expectant mothers who took charge of their pregnancy health journey.
World Preeclampsia Day 2026 has been celebrated, but the momentum it generated continues. Through continuous education, proactive screenings, and strong community to hospital alliances, the PSMFM stands firm in its vow to turn Maagang Tuklas into a concrete, nationwide reality—ensuring a Ligtas na Bukas for every Filipino mother and baby.
For more pregnancy health resources, updates on future free medical missions, and professional guidelines, visit the official PSMFM portal at psmfm.org or follow us on our official social media channels @PSMFMOFFICIAL.
