On its 7^th year, the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) CAMANAVA Chapter gathered more than 300 private practitioners on its 7^th Annual Symposium focused on bringing excellent quality service for mother and child care, with the theme, “Quality Cares, Saves Life.”

Several key speakers gave lectures on how to advance in pre, actual and post natal services in the community to participants coming, not only from Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela, but as well as, the cities of Makati and Marikina.

One of the main concerns addressed was the choice of 40% pregnant women living in rural areas to give birth at home under a hilot whichoftentimes lead to infections, lifetime illness, and even maternal and child death.

Mrs. Patricia Gomez, R.M., National President of IMAP urged midwives to help reduce and eliminate these issues by providing the best service they can give to encourage the the people to seek their aid rather than with a hilot.   “We are the people who are essential in bringing life to the first born babies, it is a must to ensure that the assistance we give are on excellent service and we will bring it more to another level,” she added.

Valenzuela City Mayor WIN Gatchalian, as the chairperson of City Development Council (CDC) cited his support in their campaign of upgrading birthing services by allocating five new lying-in clinics, in addition to the three existing, that will be constructed in strategic locations within the city.

Mayor WIN Gatchalian also hailed midwives for their outstanding service to the people in their communities although they are overworked and underpaid. “I know that salary is secondary to your profession because as I can see what really matters is the heart that is  willing to serve the people, and that what makes me admire all of you,” he uttered.

Valenzuela City 1^st District Representative, Congressman REX Gatchalian acknowledged midwives as ‘leaders’ of their community. “Even without position, you are one of the most sought after persons in your communities, especially in times of emergencies.  You act like a teacher, nurse or even a barangay official who really contributes to the welfare of the community,” he said.

IMAP was created in 1975, combining two organizations of midwives at that time, Philippine Midwifery Association (PHIMIDAS) and National Federation of Filipino Midwives (NFFM), to form a national organization that would centralize the operations. The idea was generated after the first Board of Examiners for Midwives was conducted through the enactment of Republic Act No. 2644 on June 18, 1960.

The non-profit organization has now chapters all over the country which are committed to serve the Filipino people through an effective delivery of basic health services through their advocacy, ”Service Above Self and Beyond the Call of Duty.”