Legazpi: The city government has allocated funds for 1,500 beneficiaries of its "Gift of Life" program, providing financial assistance to help pregnant women cover childbirth expenses and meet the immediate needs of their newborns.
According to Philippines News Agency, Mayor Hisham Ismail emphasized that the initiative reflects the city government's commitment to promoting maternal and child health by providing financial assistance to mothers during one of the most financially challenging periods of family life. "As a nurse by profession, I have always believed that patients should be cared for (lifelong). Through this program, we can provide health benefits and support to mothers when they need it most," Ismail said in a Tuesday interview.
He further explained that the program aims to encourage women facing difficult circumstances to continue their pregnancies by assuring them of government support after childbirth. Under the program, mothers who deliver in private healthcare facilities receive PHP5,000, while those who give birth in city government-owned health facilities get PHP7,000.
The assistance covers deliveries at the Legazpi City Hospital, the city's lying-in facilities, and the Super Health Centers in Homapon and Rawis. A total of 218 qualified beneficiaries received financial assistance during the program's first tranche payout, covering Legazpe±o families with babies born between April 15 and June 9, 2026.
Ismail clarified that the city government has allocated funds for 1,500 beneficiaries throughout the year, with subsequent payouts to be made as more qualified mothers avail themselves of the program. He noted that the initiative complements the Department of Health program, particularly during the first 1,000 days of a child's life, a critical period for growth and development.
"The assistance may help cover the baby's immediate needs during the first one to two months, such as diapers, clothing, and other necessities," he said. Among the beneficiaries is Maicy Manlapas, 25, of Barangay Mabinit, Legazpi City, who gave birth at the Legazpi City Hospital on May 28 and received PHP7,000 under the program.
Manlapas mentioned that the financial assistance helped her family purchase milk, diapers, and other essential baby supplies while also covering part of the expenses they incurred during childbirth. "Since my breast milk supply is limited, we have to buy milk for our baby. The assistance also lessened the financial burden on my partner," she said.
Another beneficiary, Danica Barajas, 25, also of Barangay Mabinit, received PHP5,000 after giving birth at a lying-in clinic on May 9. "It was a big help because we were able to stock up on our baby's essential needs, enough to last for about a month. The 'Gift of Life' program is a great help to mothers giving birth in Legazpi," she said.
