Bidlisiw: Bringing Rays of Hope into Little Lives
Mandaue is home to many stories, shaped by individuals living in different circumstances. However, every chapter in this story is rarely ever filled with happy endings. In 2022, the Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) 7 states that over 11,000 cases of early pregnancy among girls aged 15 to 19 were recorded in Central Visayas, with 241 more involving girls under 15. Specifically, 5,106 in Cebu Province, 2,364 cases in Negros Oriental, 1,625 cases in Bohol, 1,625 in Cebu City, 586 in Lapu-lapu City, 475 cases in Mandaue City, and 116 cases in Siquijor. These figures reflect real lives—interrupted plans and young people forced to grow up too soon. Each case involves a child raising another child, often without the necessary knowledge, resources, or support to survive, let alone thrive
Recognizing the urgency of this growing issue, Nature’s Spring Foundation Inc. (NSFI) responded with deep concern and commitment. Guided by its advocacy for maternal and child health, NSFI believes that every child deserves a healthy start, and every young parent deserves the opportunity to rebuild their future with dignity and respect. Teenage pregnancy is not just a health concern; it is a social and economic challenge that demands compassionate, community-rooted solutions. This is why NSFI chose to partner with Bidlisiw Foundation—an organization with a proven track record of child-centered, community-based interventions, and deep roots in the areas most affected. With its longstanding engagement with vulnerable youth and families, Bidlisiw brings both trust and expertise to the frontlines of adolescent care. Through this partnership, NSFI aims to help break cycles of vulnerability by investing in care, knowledge, and empowerment for young mothers and fathers. This commitment reflects NSFI’s broader vision of building safe, healthy, and inclusive communities, where no young family is left behind.
For the past 35 years, Bidlisiw Foundation Inc. has worked alongside families in the city, offering child-focused and community-grounded support to change these narratives. Bidlisiw has earned the trust of vulnerable children and youth across Central Visayas. Since its founding in 1989 and formal registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the organization has remained child-focused and community-based, reaching multiple cities and municipalities in Cebu and Iloilo. Its programs draw from the values of child protection, inclusive participation, and non-discrimination, serving sexually exploited children, youth in conflict with the law, trafficking survivors, and those facing substance-related challenges. Through education, psychosocial support, livelihood training, and advocacy, Bidlisiw continues to change community responses to childhood vulnerability, driven by a longstanding dedication to protecting children’s rights and supporting family welfare.
Building on these years of direct engagement with children and families, Bidlisiw responded to one of Central Visayas’ most urgent issues: adolescent pregnancy. Informed by deep relationships within the communities it serves, the foundation developed AMUMA (Alalay ug Malasakit Uban ang Batan-ong Mama ug iyang Anak). The initiative focuses on care and empathy for young mothers and their children, upholding their health, affirming their dignity, and accompanying them toward a more stable future. With AMUMA, Bidlisiw continues a tradition of support, offering a hand during one of life’s most uncertain transitions—supporting not just the child, but the young mother still learning to stand on her own.
The idea of AMUMA focuses on its multi-faceted approach. It doesn’t merely offer aid; it also focuses on empowering individuals. This is achieved through outreach education, young parents’ classes, and caravans of services, allowing the program to address every aspect of a young mother’s life.
A key component in this program is access to prenatal and postnatal care. By collaborating with barangay health centers and providing community-based workshops, AMUMA ensures that 85% of its beneficiaries receive prenatal care by the second trimester.
To strengthen healthcare access, AMUMA brings services directly to the community through its partnership with the Mandaue City Health Office. Their project, called the “Caravan of Services,” bridges gaps for those who may lack transportation or resources, ensuring the health of both mother and child is not left ignored.
The initiative also emphasizes informed decision-making. Educational sessions on family planning are provided to both young mothers and fathers, aiming to break cycles of unintended pregnancies. Young fathers are also engaged in sessions that promote shared parenting and responsible fatherhood—topics that are often overlooked in traditional interventions.
Among AMUMA’s educational programs are Young Parents’/Mothers’ Classes, which create safe spaces for young women to build practical knowledge, covering topics like nutrition, hygiene, breastfeeding, child development, and personal goal setting. The sessions range from “Setting Life Direction” to “Early Detection of Developmental Delays,” offering more than information—they help young mothers feel equipped, encouraged, and capable of shaping their future.
In a society where young mothers are often shamed and sidelined, AMUMA steps in where systems fall short—offering care through compassion, and empowerment through education. Through the unwavering commitment of Bidlisiw Foundation and the steadfast support of Nature’s Spring Foundation Inc., the program brings together community trust, technical expertise, and a shared vision for change. Together, they are rewriting the story—not through rescue, but through respect, relationships, and renewal. Each partnership strengthens the path forward, brightening not just the journey of a child but also the hope of a young mother, the resilience of a family, and the future of a community.
