Talisay sanggunian eyes birthing home in Lagtang

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Council committee on health is asking the Lagtang barangay council to allocate funds and donate a portion of its property for the construction of a birthing center in compliance with the ‘no home birthing’ policy of the Department of Health. 

City Councilor Richard Francis Aznar, chairman of the Committee on Health, Hospital Services and Sanitation, said there is a need for the city to construct a birthing home, and the location that could best suit such necessity is the lot located at Lagtang Sports Complex wherein its proximity to the existing Rural Health Unit is convenient and practicable.

The Department of Health passed Administrative Order 2008-0029 known as “Implementing Health Reforms towards Rapid Reduction in Maternal and Neonatal Mortality,” called the “No Home Birthing Policy,” during the administration of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. 

This policy was also intended to enable the Philippines to achieve its commitment to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

The MDGs include lowering maternal mortality rate to 52 per 100,000 live births in 2015. 

With the passage of the 1991 Local Government Code, health services delivery was devolved to the Local Government Unit. 

The Sanguniang Barangay has the power to enact ordinances as may be necessary to discharge the responsibilities conferred upon it by law or ordinance and to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants.  (FREEMAN)