SENATOR Christopher “Bong” Go expressed his enduring support for the midwifery profession and highlighted the crucial role midwives play in the healthcare system during the Regional Conference of the Philippine Society of Private Midwife Clinic Owners (PSPMCO), Inc., in partnership with the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), at the Grand Menseng Hotel, Davao City on Saturday, April 20.
During his speech, Go stressed the importance of midwives in the healthcare system, especially in ensuring women’s health and safe childbirth practices.
“We acknowledge the tireless efforts, compassion, and knowledge of midwives to ensure that women have safe and healthy pregnancies, childbirth experiences, and post-natal care,” said Go.
“Di ba ganun naman talaga tayo, at kayo po ‘yung nag-aalaga sa kanila. So, salamat po sa inyo… ang inyong dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa pag-aalaga sa ating mga ina at kanilang mga sanggol ay tunay na kahanga-hanga. Kayo ang bayani sa likod ng bawat matagumpay na panganganak,” he added.
Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, then announced his plans to introduce legislation aimed at updating Republic Act No. 7392, or the Philippine Midwifery Act of 1992. He emphasized the need for modern regulations that meet current standards and ensure that midwives are properly equipped to care for both mothers and newborns.
“The dynamic evolution of the profession calls for updated regulations, that is why I plan to file a bill to update this legislation… strengthening midwifery as a profession will facilitate the development of new regulatory frameworks that align with the current standards and requirements of midwifery practice ensuring that midwives are equipped to provide optimal care to mothers and newborns,” he said.
The senator also addressed the issue of midwives’ compensation, acknowledging that their current renumeration do not reflect the critical nature of their work.
He shared his involvement as one of the authors and co-sponsors of RA 11466, or the Salary Standardization Law 5, and his plans to push for Senate Bill No. 2504, or the Salary Standardization Law 6, to further improve the compensation of government employees including health workers in the public sector.
The proposed SSL 6 underscores the need to review and augment the salaries of government employees in light of the increasing cost of living and inflation. As of October 2023, the inflation rate stands at 6.4%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This rate exceeds the government’s targeted ceiling of 2% to 4%.
Throughout his address, Go reiterated his commitment to healthcare reform, both for midwives and the broader medical community. He noted his continuous effort to ensure that health professionals are adequately supported and recognized for their invaluable contributions.
During the gathering, Go and his Malasakit Team distributed shirts and balls for basketball and volleyball to the midwives present. Some also received a bicycle, shoes, a watch, and a mobile phone.
He also thanked officials from the Department of Health, PSPMCO and the IMAP for their service and contribution to the industry and the society as a whole.
Ending his speech, Go, who is known as Mr. Malasakit for his compassionate service to Filipinos, highlighted the deep respect and admiration he holds for midwives: “Midwives are the unsung heroes, working diligently in the background to ensure the well-being of both the mothers and their newborns…”
“Napaka-importante po para sa akin ‘yung anak… excited tayo kung nakita natin ‘yung baby hanggang lumaki, s’yempre importante rin sa akin, yung safety at health ng nanay,” he concluded.
