Mayors complain midwives sent by Dept. of Health lack experience

CEBU, Philippines - Some town mayors have complained that the midwives sent by the Department of Health (DOH) to their towns to augment manpower reportedly lack experience.

The mayors also said that DOH sent the midwives without consulting them.

Dalaguete Mayor Ronald Alan Cesante, for one, questioned why DOH had to send inexperienced midwives when there are reportedly midwives in Dalaguete that are well-trained. Cesante said DOH could just have acquired the services of the midwives in the town.

Cesante aired his sentiments during the Provincial Development Council meeting last Friday. He also sent a formal letter complaint to DOH. 

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia confirmed she received the same complaint from several other town mayors, although she did not specify how many exactly objected to the move. She said she will settle the matter with DOH.

Garcia said national government agencies must observe “courtesy, protocol and delicadeza” in conducting activities and programs in local government units by coordinating with the local chief executives.

Former governor and current Second District Representative Pablo “Pabling” Garcia also supported his daughter’s stand.

Pablo said the issue does not only a involve common courtesy, but also a possible violation of the Local Government Code. 

Section 2 (c) of the Code requires the state to ensure that “all national agencies and offices to conduct periodic consultations with appropriate local government units, non-governmental and people’s organizations, and other concerned sectors of the community before any project or program is implemented in their respective jurisdictions.”

Section 27 of the Code also states that “no project or program shall be implemented by government authorities unless the consultations and prior approval of the Sanggunian concerned is obtained.”

The governor also asked Department of Interior and Local Government to help resolve the issue. — (FREEMAN)