CEBU, Philippines - Because it is already prohibited to give birth at home, the Talisay City government is pushing for the construction of birthing centers in its 22 barangays.
“Sa hinay-hinay, atong plano nga ang kada barangay sa dakbayan sa Talisay anaa na’y mga birthing center para dili na kinahanglan pa mogasto ang usa ka inahan ini’g panganak,†said Mayor Johnny de los Reyes.
De los Reyes said two weeks ago a mother from Barangay Lawaan I, who gave birth to triplets, died after receiving delayed health care at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. Two of the triplets also died.
Recently De los Reyes turned over a check worth P250,000 to San Roque Barangay Captain Elzevier Abraham for the construction of a birthing center. The mayor said in the coming months other barangays will also receive the same financial assistance from the city government, stressing that health is his administration’s priority.
In 2009, the City Council approved a local ordinance banning child birth in residential houses. The ordinance was authored by former Councilor Shirley Belleza. Shortly after this, the city hired additional midwives and posted them in its rural health units and barangay health centers. (FREEMAN)