Mayor, vice OK aid to construct birthing center

CEBU, Philippines - A birthing center is expected to rise in the barangay of  Talisay as city officials approved of the release of financial assistance for its construction.

The establishment of birthing centers in the barangays is of great help for the medical center, said Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes.

Last March, the City Council approved a resolution asking financial assistance from the city government for Barangay San Roque to construct its birthing center, which will address the needs of pregnant women.

Mayor De los Reyes said he approved the request of the barangay in the amount of P250,000 from his appropriation while Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante appropriated P100,000, which will be charged from his local development fund.

De los Reyes said the establishment of birthing centers in terms of workload will lessen the medical worker's job and that there would be certain cases that won't be referred to the hospital once the barangays have their own facilities.

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.

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.

Construction of such facilities in different barangays is part of the local and national programs aimed to make health and medical services more accessible to the people and to protect women during the time of their pregnancy.   (FREEMAN)