Manila: Leading health agencies and international partners have officially united to elevate the status and training of Filipino midwives, positioning them as a cornerstone of the country's push for Universal Health Care (UHC).
According to Philippines News Agency, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) announced the adoption of a new, expanded Midwifery Competency Framework in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). This framework aims to address critical gaps in access to care, particularly in underserved communities, where midwives are crucial for maternal and newborn health.
The UNFPA State of Asia's Midwifery Report 2024 highlights that the Philippines has fewer than seven midwives for every 10,000 people, underscoring the necessity for this initiative. Initiated in 2025, the framework aims to modernize the role of Filipino midwives by expanding their responsibilities to include areas such as family planning, gender-based violence support, and digital health-enabled services.
Melchor dela Cruz, Chairperson of the Professional Regulatory Board for Midwifery, emphasized that the initiative strengthens the understanding of what it means to be a midwife in the Philippines. He noted that the framework provides a clear path for career progression, ensuring midwives are equipped with the necessary skills for contemporary practice and guaranteeing high standards of care for Filipinos.
Other officials also noted that the framework helps retain talent by creating a professional trajectory for midwives, beyond expanding their daily duties. UNFPA Country Representative Neus Bernabeu highlighted the critical role of midwives in supporting mothers, children, and adolescents, especially during times of crisis.
The adoption of the new framework was solidified through a signed Commemorative Resolution, involving the Association of Philippine Schools of Midwifery, the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines, Inc., and the World Health Organization Philippines, among others.
