PHO launches GP Caravan in Tboli, South Cotabato
More than 400 pre-school children and infants, together with more than 300 adults were assisted and provided with necessary health services during the Provincial Launching of the Garantisadong Pambata (GP) last April 13, 2010 at 
Barangay Kematu, Tboli, South Cotabato. This GP Provincial Launch emphasizes the importance of healthy mothers and children as emphasized in its theme, “Mga paraan para maligtas and Bata: Dalhin ang inyong mga anak: edad 6 na taon pababa sa Health Center para mabigyan ng Garatisadong Serbisyong Pangkalusugan”. The said GP Caravan started at the IPHO and proceeded to the City Health Office (CHO) of Koronadal City where the nurses and midwives from the said office joined the GP Team. Other health service providers coming from the municipalities of Banga and Surallah also joined the team as the caravan passes through these municipalities.
The Department of Health, through the CHD XII and the Provincial Health Team (PHT) of South Cotabato in partnership with the Local Government Units, various local stakeholders supported the GP 
strategy which is aimed at reducing infant mortality rate in the province by improving the health status of children from six months to five years old. GP provides a 4-in-1 health package which includes Vitamin A Supplementation, Immunization, Deworming, and Medical Consultation.
Grantisadong Pambata (GP), which is conducted twice a year intends to help prevent illnesses among children as well as provide special focus to maternal health which largely influences the well-being of the unborn. The activity also promotes the importance of exclusive breastfeeding. This activity was supported by the USAID-HealthPRO and Health and Economics Alternative (HEAL) projects implemented by Mahintana Foundation, Inc.; A2Z, PDA Allah Valley, DepEd-Kematu; Philippine National Police-Tboli; Rural Health Units of Tupi, Norala, Banga and Surallah,; City Health Office of Koronadal; Dole Philippines; Salinas Foods; EMR Convention Center; Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, Incorporated (TLDFI) and the Provincial Nutrition Office.
The midwife of RHU Tboli prepares the Vitamin A for the child as the mother joyfully awaits. Bitamina A giving is one of the 4-in-1 package for GP Launching.
These 10 healthy children await their prizes after winning the contest for exclusively breastfed, fully immunized, properly nourished (having normal weight) and adopt personal hygiene.
Winners of the Search for Model Pregnant Mothers pose as Dr. Louella H. Estember, PHTL caress the child. They are selected based on the following criteria: Complete quality prenatal check-ups; Complete dose of Tetanus toxoid; Complete Iron supplementation; and Emergency Birth Plan.
As I see it, Mahintana Foundation Inc.’s projects gets better and better every year. Reaching out to people for medical assistance (specially in provincial areas) is really one of the best services an organization can give. I heard that programs like these are still on going for the next 2 years and maybe even more. It is indeed good news for everyone. I’m looking forward to take part of these on going projects..More Power and God Speed Mahintana.