SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go attended the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives Inc. (PLGPMI) 25th Anniversary and Annual General Assembly, held at SMX Lanang in Davao City on Wednesday, April 24.
The event celebrated a quarter-century of advancements and dedication in midwifery, bringing together industry professionals from across the nation.
In his keynote address, Senator Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, strongly supported the midwifery community, emphasizing midwives’ critical role in the healthcare system. He praised their unwavering commitment and resilience, particularly in rural and underserved areas of the city.
“In our nation’s healthcare system, midwives are guardians of life and pillars of strength. Their unwavering commitment and tireless dedication to ensuring safe deliveries and healthy outcomes for mothers and newborns are the cornerstone of maternal and child health in our country,” Go remarked.
Senator Go highlighted the various challenges faced by midwives, including the need for better access to medical supplies and training programs, among others.
“Ang ating mga midwives o mga komadrona ay mahahalagang bahagi ng ating healthcare system lalo na sa mga komunidad. Kaya naman kinikilala natin ang kanilang walang kapagurang pagsisikap, malasakit at malawak na karanasan para matiyak na ang mga kababaihan at kanilang sanggol ay ligtas at malusog,” he said.
“Bilang isang magulang, napakaimportante po para sa akin ang kapakanan ng mga anak. At siyempre importante rin sa akin, ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng ina,” he added.
The senator also discussed recent legislative efforts to improve healthcare services and infrastructure, which could directly benefit the midwifery sector. He mentioned plans to enhance job security and provide additional benefits for healthcare workers, including midwives.
“Nag-file po ako sa Senado ng panukalang batas para ma-update ang Republic Act No. 7392, o ang Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992. Nais nating isulong ang kanilang kapakanan at paigtingin ang kanilang propesyon na naaayon sa mga kasalukuyang pamantayan pagdating sa larangan ng midwifery,” Go said.
Go highlighted the importance of contemporary regulations that align with present-day norms and adequately prepare midwives to support the health of mothers and their newborns.
“Layunin din natin na makabuo ng bagong regulatory frameworks na kaagapay ng current standards and requirements ng midwifery practice at matiyak na ang ating mga midwives ay may kakayahan na magkaloob ng mas maayos na pangangalaga sa mga ina at kanilang mga sanggol,” he explained further.
The lawmaker likewise filed Senate Bill No. 2504, designed to raise the salary scale for civilian government employees in the country. Also known as the “Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 6,” this bill, if passed, aims to revise and enhance the existing stipulations of RA 11466, also known as SSL 5. Go was instrumental in enacting SSL 5 in 2019, serving as both an author and co-sponsor in the Senate.
Moreover, Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. These facilities will focus on providing advanced medical care for specific conditions, thereby enhancing the capacity to offer specialized treatment and cater to the complex health needs of the population in all regions.
“To the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives Inc., I extend my heartfelt congratulations on 25 years of unwavering dedication and tireless advocacy. Your resilience, passion, and commitment inspire us all, and I have no doubt that the next 25 years will be filled with even greater achievements and milestones in advancing midwifery in the Philippines,” he concluded.
On the same day, Go visited Palawan to support Air Force troops stationed in Puerto Princesa City. He also assisted over a hundred households affected by a fire. The senator then participated in the Surigao del Norte Chapter’s Philippine Councilors’ League and Vice Mayors’ League at the Princesa Garden Island Hotel. Additionally, he attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Super Health Center in Quezon town, Palawan.
Recently, Go was also guest speaker during the gathering of Philippine Society of Private Midwife Clinic Owners (PSPMCO), Inc. and the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), held in Davao City last April 20.