Basilan midwives hold 1st convention

By Rene V. Carbayas

Wednesday 4th of July 2012

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, July 4 (PIA) -- The Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) Incorporated - Basilan Chapter successfully has held its first Provincial Convention with the theme “Midwives Exploring Challenges towards Excellence and Advancement in Maternal and Child Care.”

Around 35 midwife practitioners from the city and municipal health offices and from the different schools and hospitals from the province joined the convention last June 23-24 at the Isabela City Infirmary Social Hall.

In a press statement, IMAP Chapter President Hermenegildo M Dabon, RM said that even with meager resources and financial constraints, the recent convention was successful due to determination and support of the officers of the organization.

To further enrich knowledge, advancement and excellence in the midwifery profession, the following topics were expounded during the convention: Trends and Issues in Family Planning by Bernardita F. Hontucan, RN; Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery vs Caesarean Section by Dr. Wilfredo L. Guevara, MD; Essential Immediate New Born Care by Ma Emily Granados, RN and the Continuing Education among Midwives by Vivian C. Rubares, RN CHED Supervisor in Region 9.

Rubares, who was the lone speaker for the second day, presented the latest curriculum for midwifery schools by virtue of CHED Memorandum Order No. 33 series of 2007.

The memorandum urged midwives to enroll in Bachelor of Science in Midwifery for upgrading, and to attend seminars and trainings to meet the challenges of the latest trends for professional growth.

She cited two midwifery schools in the province that offer Bachelor of Science in Midwifery: the Juan S. Alano Memorial School Inc. in Isabela City and the Furigay Colleges Inc. in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Meanwhile, city councilor Abner Rodriguez and IMAP honorary member Laura Alano lauded the midwives’ commitment in their objective for better health public services in the province and manifested their support to the organization’s future programs.

Before the convention concluded, a business meeting was conducted among the IMAP Officers to evaluate the conference.

As part of the organization’s thrust of “continuing Education Program” for the Midwives, the officers also planned to have a seminar-workshop in October this year.

In her closing remarks Maricar Jodelah A Uyeg, RM, RN, MN and IMAP Basilan Chapter 1st vice president, expressed her gratitude to all those who shared their valuable support, time and efforts that made the recent midwives’ undertakings in Basilan successful. (JPA/RVC/PIA9-ZBST)