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Story of Dina

Administrative Order 2008-0029 entitled "No home-birthing Policy" is created to prohibit home birthing deliveries however, they are still common in a rural setting, including Barangay Mandih which has no excused. One among the cases we have encountered, is the story of Ma'am Dina Bawang, a 32-year-old mother. Ms. Dina Bawang is a housewife, and only 4 of her 6 children are still living. Both of her male children of whom were delivered at home died; A 12-year-old boy due to diarrhea and a 3-month-old infant who passed away from fever and diarrhea as well. Her husband, Mr. Toni Bawang, is a bamboo stick maker who is 40 years old and makes 154 pesos per week. His family depends heavily on the 4 P's program, because his weekly earnings does not provide enough to feed them. On a rainy day of January 13, 2023, with no family nearby, no children, and no spouse to take her to the closest birthing facility, Dina gave birth to her sixth child. She had no choice but to deliver it alone in their home while seated. She waited for the rain to cease before bringing her baby into the center with the placenta still attached. She was forced to walk several kilometers, not to mention a steep, muddy path, from Purok 5 down to Purok 3. Fortunately, she reached Barangay Mandih Health Center to attend to her baby's cord. Because of Dina's DOB condition, neither birth implants nor depo can be given to her.

This story exemplifies how access to healthcare can be hampered by poverty.