With over PHP 1.5M in funding from the Comunity Chest of Korea (CCK) and the Korean Food for the Hungry (KFHI), the winning project led by Dr. Ruth Punzalan strengthens maternal and child health in Barangay Tres Cruses, Tanza, Cavite
As part of its heartfelt commitment to uplifting communities, LG Philippines has named “Programa para sa Alagang Ina at Sanggol (Maternal and Child Care Program)” by Dr. Ruth S. Punzalan of Tanza, Cavite, as the winning initiative of the 2025 LG Ambassador Challenge.
The application for the 2025 LG Ambassador Challenge began on March 13, continuing LG’s mission to empower Filipino changemakers through meaningful support and funding. Through the years, the LG Ambassador Challenge program has enabled individuals and organizations across the globe to address community needs with sustainable, community-driven solutions. In the Philippines, last year’s winning project – ”Life’s Good Library On the Go” by Charlene Aguilar – brought mobile learning and free eye checkups to underserved barangays in Nagcarlan, Laguna. This year, the Challenge focused on three goals: ending poverty, ensuring inclusive and quality education, and advancing climate action. After evaluation with the Community Chest of Korea (CCK) and the Korean Food for the Hungry (KFHI), over PHP 1.5 million in funding was granted to work with Dr. Punzalan during the implementation of the program, advancing the mission of improving the lives of mothers and children across the Philippines.
Understanding the Health Challenges in Tres Cruses
In Barangay Tres Cruses, which has a population of 20,000, limited access to maternal and child healthcare remains a pressing concern. The barangay is composed of three main clusters: Poblacion, two subdivisions including Wellington with 5,900 residents and 2,700 households, and the informal community called the ‘quarry’, where many families live in makeshift homes near a dumpsite, with poor sanitation and limited access to basic services. Only 46% of pregnant women have completed antenatal care, the essential care during pregnancy to help ensure the health of both mother and baby, with just 11 cases recorded in Wellington Subdivision. Many expectant mothers cannot afford routine tests or supplements and rely on the Rural Health Unit. Immunization coverage is also low, with only 210 fully immunized children in the barangay, 14 in Wellington. In underserved areas like the ‘quarry’, poor living conditions and low health-seeking behavior further restrict access. These gaps led to one maternal and one under-five mortality case in 2024, highlighting the urgent need to strengthen health services for mothers and children in the community.
A Focused Approach to Better Maternal and Child Care
Dr. Ruth plans to strengthen maternal and child healthcare in Barangay Tres Cruses through targeted, community-based solutions. For maternal care, the program will improve access to essential services such as laboratory tests, ultrasounds, postpartum care, and family planning. With the planned DOH licensing of the Tanza Main Health Center, these diagnostics will soon be more affordable, or free for PhilHealth-registered patients under the Konsulta Package. For child care, the initiative aims to raise immunization rates and improve nutrition for children under five through health advocacy, outreach, and defaulter tracing by Barangay Health Workers and Nutrition Scholars. Vaccines will be provided by the Department of Health, with logistics supported by the LGU. The program will also expand health outreach in underserved areas like the ‘quarry’, upgrade the Wellington Barangay Health Center, and partner with the local nutrition office and DSWD to support the first 1,000 days and enroll indigent families in the Konsulta Package, ensuring broader, more inclusive access to vital healthcare.
Dr. Ruth Punzalan’s team administers vaccination to mothers and children of Brgy. Tres Cruses, Tanza, Cavite
Life’s Good When Support Reaches Those Who Need It
Mr. Nakhyun Seong, LG Philippines Managing Director, expressed the company’s full support for Dr. Punzalan’s initiative, “Programa para sa Alagang Ina at Sanggol (Maternal and Child Care Program)”, and its potential to deliver meaningful impact in the community. “We are happy to support a project that will help make Barangay Tres Cruses a safer and healthier place for mothers and children. Through the help of Korea Friends of Hope International (KFHI), we are confident that this initiative will improve access to healthcare, contribute to the well-being of families today, and help build a stronger foundation for future generations.”
Life’s Good when communities have access to the care and support they need. This belief continues to strengthen LG’s commitment to backing projects that create real, lasting change. By supporting “Programa para sa Alagang Ina at Sanggol”, LG aims to help build a future where mothers and children in Barangay Tres Cruses can live safer, healthier lives—bringing the company’s vision of a better world closer to reality.
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