Arteche: The local government of Arteche in Eastern Samar has announced that its newly completed halfway house, the Susan-e Center or the Sustainable-Nutrition And Nanay Empowerment Center, will begin operating this month. The facility will serve as a safe and dignified temporary shelter for pregnant women, particularly those from remote communities who are nearing their due dates, Arteche Vice Mayor Roland Boie Evardone said in a statement Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Evardone mentioned that expectant mothers from outside the town center who have no place to stay while awaiting childbirth may temporarily reside at the center for several days or up to a week, depending on their scheduled delivery. The SUSAN-e Center can also accommodate watchers or guardians of hospital patients who need a decent and safe place to rest.

Evardone stated that the new facility will also support the implementation of the town's maternal and child care ordinance, which provides incentives to promote safe motherhood practices. Under the ordinance, mothers who give birth in a health facility receive PHP1,000 plus grocery items, while the assisting barangay health worker or birth attendant receives PHP300.

Evardone emphasized that the initiative reflects the local government's continued efforts and strong commitment to improving maternal health, nutrition, and community empowerment. The facility was funded through the municipality's Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024 award, amounting to PHP1.15 million.

The SGLG, conferred by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, is a prestigious incentive and recognition program that honors local government units for outstanding performance in various governance areas, including health compliance and responsiveness. In 2023, the local government of Arteche also constructed a water refilling station using its SGLG 2023 prize, which is currently awaiting a sufficient water source before full operation.