President Chibota, Mayor Robredo Unite in Support of Mothers and Newborns in Naga

As part of her ministering visit to the Philippines, Primary General President Rosemary K. Chibota of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together with Naga City Mayor Maria Leonor “Leni” G. Robredo on Monday, September 14, 2026, to support mothers and newborns at Naga City General Hospital, where the Church donated 150 newborn kits.

The visit provided an opportunity to offer encouragement and support to mothers who had recently given birth as well as to families caring for newborns requiring specialized medical attention.

President Chibota and Mayor Robredo led the handover of the newborn kits and spent time with mothers and their babies at the hospital. They were joined by Elder Steven D. Shumway of the Philippines Area Presidency, local Church leaders, hospital administrators and health-care workers.

“Each newborn represents hope, promise and the future. When we care for mothers and infants, we are investing in generations to come,” President Chibota said in her brief message.

“Today we celebrate not only the arrival of new life, but also the devoted men and women who care for mothers and babies during some of life’s most joyous and vulnerable moments,” she added.

The newborn kits contained handmade infant clothing and other essential items to help mothers care for their babies during the first weeks of life.

Continuing Cooperation

Monday’s visit builds on several years of cooperation between the Church and Mayor Robredo, beginning during her term as vice president of the Philippines and continuing with the Naga City Government.

In 2019, the Church supported the construction of homes in Angat Buhay Village in Marawi City for families displaced by the 2017 conflict. The project was undertaken in connection with Angat Buhay, then the flagship anti-poverty program of the Office of the Vice President.

More recently, the Church and the Naga City Government have worked together on initiatives supporting maternal and child health and strengthening families.

In November 2025, the Church donated approximately PHP 8 million in specialized medical equipment to Naga City General Hospital to support neonatal care. The equipment included incubators, radiant warmers, neonatal patient monitors, phototherapy equipment, and other devices used in caring for premature and critically ill newborns.

During Monday’s visit, Mayor Robredo expressed appreciation for the Church’s continued support for mothers and children in Naga City, describing its efforts as reflecting “genuine care and follow-through.”

“That you have returned, not simply to hand over other donations, but to personally inspect and check on the equipment’s condition and use, speaks volumes about the sincerity of your commitment,” Mayor Robredo added.

In February 2026, the Naga City Government, Helen Keller International, and the Church signed a memorandum of agreement to expand the Barangay First 1,000 Days program across Naga’s 27 barangays. The program focuses on maternal and child nutrition during pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life.

On August 7, 2026, Church leaders met with Mayor Robredo to discuss shared priorities, including community service, disaster response, and strengthening families. The following day, she joined government, community, and interfaith leaders at the groundbreaking of the Naga Philippines Temple.

“We are impressed by how much we align,” Elder Shumway said during the August 7 meeting, noting the Church and the city’s shared commitment to disaster response, community service and strengthening families.

Caring for Children and Families

As Primary General President, President Chibota leads the Church’s worldwide organization for children ages 18 months through 11 years. The Primary helps children learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, develop faith in Him, and understand their identity as children of God. The Primary General Presidency also works with parents and Church leaders around the world to support the spiritual growth and well-being of children.

When she was called to serve in the Primary General Presidency, President Chibota expressed her love for children and her desire to serve them. “I am so excited to serve God’s finest, the little children,” she said.

The Church’s humanitarian efforts in the Philippines and around the world include maternal and newborn care, child nutrition, immunization, education and emergency response. The Church works with governments, health-care providers, nonprofit organizations, and communities to address local needs and provides assistance without regard to race, religion or nationality.

The Church is politically neutral and does not endorse or support political parties or candidates. It works with government and community leaders across political affiliations on humanitarian and community efforts that serve people in need. Such cooperation reflects the Church’s commitment to follow the example of Jesus Christ by caring for others and strengthening individuals, families and communities.