CEBU, Philippines - For being the only barangay with a birthing center in the Province of Cebu, Capitol lauded the efforts of officials from a mountain barangay in the Municipality of Sogod.
Governor Gwendolyn Garcia was invited last week for the inauguration of the birthing center in Barangay Pansoy, Sogod.
Garcia said it was the first time that she inaugurated a birthing center in a barangay.
It is said to be the 25th birthing center in the province while the rest are in the municipalities.
Garcia promised to give an ambulance to Barangay Pansoy.
Pansoy Barangay Captain Rolando Soltones claimed that the birthing center was the result of “bayanihan” between government and non-government agencies.
The Department of Health earlier ordered the barangay officials of Pansoy to stop the “hilot” birthing process in the area.
As a consequence, barangay officials proposed to build a birthing center.
World Vision Sogod Inc., a non-government organization, gave financial assistance worth P150,000. Vice Governor Agnes Magpale also gave P55,000 and from Board Member Jude Thaddeus Sybico, another P50,000. The local government of Sogod also gave P30,000 as their counterpart for the said project.
Barangay Pansoy also used their prize from the EGWEN barangay competition worth P150,000 and the rest was sourced from their barangay development fund.
The Cebu Provincial Government also provided birthing equipment worth P200,000 and the Colonio Family donated their lot to the barangay for the structure.
The said birthing center is accommodating women from nearby barangays of Nahus-an, Cabalawan, Cabangahan and Ampongol.
“Kay kani proyekto man sa gobyerno, amo’ng dawaton dinhi sa amo’ng Pansoy Birthing Center, (Because this is a government project, we will also accommodate women from neighboring barangays.)” Soltones said.
Garcia lauded the barangay officials for showing the “bayanihan” spirit and setting an example for other barangays. — (FREEMAN)