Courtesy: vjv
THE Philippine Midwifery Act got the green light from the House Committee on Appropriations on Tuesday, 13 February 2024.
One of its principal authors, Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo considers the approval a very fitting Valentine’s Day gift to our midwives, who are among the frontliners in ensuring healthy Filipino babies and pregnant mothers.
In the hearing, Salo stressed the crucial role of midwives in the delivery of healthcare in the whole country and acknowledges the necessity to upgrade the practice of midwifery in the country.
“The approval of the Appropriations Committee is a significant step towards strengthening the practice of midwifery in the country. It is our midwives who are at the forefront of carrying out vital health services to pregnant mothers and their babies especially in the rural provinces and far-flung areas, and yet midwives are only considered as sub-professional and only receive a low entry-level salary despite the arduous nature of their work,” says Salo.
“It’s high time to upgrade the standards and education in midwifery to broaden their job opportunities and equip them with the necessary skills and standards that meet the evolving needs of our nation”, Salo adds.
The Kabayan Partylist representative is elated to announce that under the approved version by the Committee on Appropriations, midwives working in the government will receive a salary grade 11, a substantial increase from the current salary grade 9. Furthermore, the institutionalization of clear guidelines and standards for midwifery education and practices is expected to ensure high-quality maternal care nationwide and possibly address the issue of mass exodus of healthcare workers in the country.
Salo extends his heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated stakeholders, particularly from Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), Midwives Foundation of the Philippines Incorporated (MFPI), and the Philippine League of Government and Private Midwives (PLGPM), as well as fellow legislators supporting the cause: Rep. Ciriaco Gato, Rep. Salvador Pleyto, Rep. Alexi Tutor and Rep. Stella Quimbo.
Salo remains optimistic that this landmark legislation will soon be approved by the plenary, and will garner support from the Senate, paving the way for its eventual enactment into law.
“I urge the nation to rally behind this proposed legislation, committed in uplifting the well-being of midwives and providing quality healthcare for mothers, mothers-to-be and their infants,” Salo concluded.
