First nominee of the Ang Kumadrona Partylist, Atty. Arnel San Diego Guballa, firmly pushed for the upliftment of midwives’ welfare, believing that this sector is often overlooked in national policy and development programs.
During the Bakit Ikaw?: The DZRH Job Interview, the partylist emphasized that its main priorities focus on improving the lives and working conditions of the country’s more than 100,000 midwives.
Central to their platform is the push to raise the salary grade of midwives in the government, which currently stands at a meager Salary Grade 4.
“Gustong isulong ng Kumadrona Partylist ang welfare of itong ating mga kumadrona. Sa mga plataporma po natin as a partylist, unang-una ang pinaka importante sa kanila, maitaas ang entry level ng ating mga kumadrona sa gobyerno kasi sobrang baba,” Guballa stated.
He stressed that while nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals have seen improvements in their wages, midwives have been left behind by society.
“Sa lahat ng health sector hanggang sa ngayong panahon kumandrona na lang ang naiiwanan, sila ang nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” he claimed.
Proposed legislation for midwives
Guballa said the first legislative measure the partylist will pursue is a salary increase, proposing Salary Grade 15—around PHP 30,000 monthly.
He pointed out that this would allow government-employed midwives to receive proper compensation for their work, without relying solely on payments from birthing procedures.
“Itaas ang sweldo. Magpapasa tayo ng batas na meron silang compensation,” he explained.
He also cited the issue of delayed PhilHealth reimbursements to private birthing centers, which adds further financial strain on midwives.
The partylist also plans to advocate for ambulances in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, where many midwives walk for hours or ride motorcycles just to reach remote communities.
“Naglalakad ng 10km, sumasakay sa skylab, habal–habal, tapos pagdating doon, ang ibibigay manok at kamote. Iyon ang masaklap doon, kaya medyo kailangan nila ng sweldo,” Guballa lamented.
Enhancing capability and livelihood
Apart from financial support, the Ang Kumadrona Partylist also aims to strengthen the midwifery profession through training and capacity-building programs, including a mentorship system led by retired and tenured midwives.
“Plano din ng partylist magkaroon sila ng retired na mga kumandrona, sila yung maging lecturer sa mga wala pang masyadong experience na kumandrona,” he proposed.
“Para ang ating mga retired na kumandrona ay magkaroon ng livelihood, may pinagkakaabalahan. Gagawin po nating proactive itong profession na ito,” Guballa added.
#BakitIkaw: Kumadrona Partylist?
According to Guballa, the lack of representation has kept midwives from achieving lasting reforms.
In previous Congresses, their proposals reached the third reading but stalled due to a lack of political clout.
“Wala silang tinatawag na ‘in-house counsel’... kaya ngayong 2025 talagang pinag-iigting ng mga kumadrona ang pagsulong na makakuha ng upuan sa Kongreso,” he added.
For him, midwives are often the first and only healthcare providers in remote areas, especially during crises like lockdowns when hospitals are inaccessible.
“Isipin niyo ang mga buntis hindi pwede manganak sa ospital dahil lockdown. Sino ang nagserbisyo? Hindi po ba mga kumadrona at midwives pero hanggang ngayon walang recognition, walang nakakapansin sa kanila,” he said, concerned.
“Sila po ‘yung masasabi natin na tunay na marginalized na health sector. Talaga pong sila ay sobrang inaabot, abunado sa kanilang propesyon at talagang bigyan man lang natin sila ng dignidad itong ating mga kababayan. ‘Yun po ang pinaglalaban nila,” Guballa concluded.
As the 2025 elections draw closer, the Ang Kumadrona Partylist hopes to finally give these essential healthcare workers the benefits, recognition, and voice they deserve in Congress.
