The Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), in partnership with Organon Philippines, recently gathered midwives, government agencies, and development partners for the Midwives Summit 2025, themed “Sustaining Women’s Health – Well-being in Every Community.”
Leaders from the public and private sectors join midwives in reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing women’s health and well-being during the Midwives Summit 2025
This national forum highlighted the vital role of midwives in achieving Universal Health Care (UHC) and showcased how collaboration between the public and private sectors can expand access to reproductive and maternal health services, especially in underserved areas. For Filipino moms and families, this translates to stronger community care and more accessible health services for women at every stage of life.
Midwives: The Heart of Every Community’s Health Care
“Behind every safe birth and every healthy mother is a competent, compassionate, and courageous midwife,” shared Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, affirming the indispensable role of midwives in community-based healthcare. He added, “When we take care of women, they take care of everyone else—their children, their families, and the next generation of Filipinos.”
During the summit, the Department of Health (DOH) discussed initiatives such as adolescent-friendly health services and the HPV vaccination program for Grade 4 girls, both designed to protect women and girls throughout their lives.
Expanding Health Access and Empowering Choices
From the financing side, PhilHealth introduced its upcoming YAKAP Package (formerly Konsulta)—a program that integrates primary care, cancer screening, and outpatient medicines.
“We are strengthening primary care to make health care more preventive, accessible, and continuous—starting with every Filipino registered to a primary care provider,” said Dr. Mary Antonette Remonte, PhilHealth’s Primary Care Program Head.
Meanwhile, PopCom Executive Director Dr. Lisa Bersales emphasized the link between women’s health and national development. “To fully benefit from our demographic opportunity, we must ensure that our people—especially women—are healthy and well-supported,” she noted.
For midwives, this means stepping beyond clinical care into advocacy and education. Dr. Bernabe Marinduque of the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood encouraged midwives to uphold women’s rights and autonomy in family planning decisions.
Empowering Midwives for the Future
Midwives nationwide shared stories of progress and renewed passion. Sandra Rivera of IMAP Region III discussed curriculum updates and the integration of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) into practice, empowering women with more family planning options. Mona Lisa Diones of FPOP Iloilo echoed this sentiment: “Midwives are the backbone of reproductive health care in the Philippines.”
Representing the private sector, Organon Philippines reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s health through midwifery development. “Midwives are often the first and most trusted point of contact for women,” said Carole Lopez, Organon’s External Affairs and Communications Lead for Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the Philippines. “We’re committed to ensuring they have the right tools, training, and innovations to deliver quality care.”
A Shared Commitment to Women’s Health
The summit concluded with a renewed pledge to strengthen midwifery education, supply chains, and community outreach—key elements to reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.
“May this gathering inspire us to gain new knowledge, develop practical skills, and renew our passion,” said Patricia Gomez, IMAP Executive Director. “By keeping midwives at the center of UHC implementation, we move one step closer to making quality health care a reality for all.”
For moms reading this, it’s a reminder that strong women’s health systems mean stronger families and communities—and midwives are at the heart of it all.
FAQs About Midwives and Women’s Health in the Philippines
1. What role do midwives play in community health?
Midwives provide essential reproductive, prenatal, and postnatal care. They also serve as educators and advocates, ensuring women’s health and safety, especially in underserved communities.
2. What is the YAKAP Package mentioned by PhilHealth?
YAKAP (formerly Konsulta) is PhilHealth’s upcoming integrated primary care benefit, which includes preventive health services, cancer screenings, and outpatient medicines.
3. How does Organon Philippines support midwives?
Organon Philippines collaborates with IMAP and health agencies to empower midwives through training, tools, and community health initiatives that advance women’s well-being.
4. Why is the Midwives Summit important for moms?
It ensures that women’s health remains a national priority, empowering healthcare professionals who support safe childbirth, reproductive choices, and holistic well-being.
