Manila: A total of 276 mothers from the city's 70 barangays received financial assistance under the third tranche of the city government's "Gift of Life" program aimed at easing childbirth-related expenses and promoting timely birth registration.

According to Philippines News Agency, Legazpi City Mayor Hisham Ismail highlighted that the program provides PHP5,000 to qualified mothers who give birth in private facilities and PHP7,000 to those who deliver in public facilities within the city. Ismail, a nurse by profession, expressed his commitment to supporting residents from birth to the end of life, ensuring that every Legazpe±o benefits from the city government's initiatives.

The financial assistance is designed to help families purchase essential items for newborns, such as diapers and vitamins, and cover unexpected expenses, particularly for mothers who undergo cesarean delivery. However, Ismail clarified that the program is not intended to encourage pregnancy but to supplement the costs associated with raising a child.

Ismail emphasized the importance of using the funds for children's needs, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life, which are crucial for a child's physical, nutritional, and cognitive development. The program operates year-round under a city ordinance and is available to qualified residents who give birth in eligible facilities within the city.

City Civil Registrar's Office head Priscilla Galicia noted that the third tranche of the program covered beneficiaries from all 70 barangays. She explained that it helps families manage expenses related to childbirth in both private and public facilities, encouraging timely civil registration.

Galicia outlined that beneficiaries must meet specific requirements: the child must be born in a facility within Legazpi City, at least one parent must be a Legazpe±o, the birth must be registered on time with the City Civil Registrar's Office, and the birth must occur within the ordinance's effectivity period. She urged parents to register their newborns within 30 days of birth to qualify for the assistance.

The program includes births at city government-run lying-in facilities, the Super Health Centers in Rawis and Homapon, and private hospitals and birthing facilities within Legazpi City. Charise Retuerma, a beneficiary and mother of seven from Barangay Washington, expressed gratitude for the program, which provides crucial support for her family's needs, including milk and diapers for her newborn.

Similarly, Trexie Regalario, a mother of four from Barangay Oro Site, shared that the assistance would help her purchase necessities for her newborn and meet the needs of her other children attending school, covering items like food and school allowances.