Midwives Summit 2025 shines the spotlight on midwives as indispensable drivers of reproductive health: advocates, service providers, and partners in improving health outcomes for every Filipino community
Data from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) shows that there are 179,000 registered midwives in the country with only 75,000 in active service.
"Saan napunta ang mga midwives natin? Hindi naman sila nag-a-abroad to work dahil nurses ang in-demand sa ibang banda," commented Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa in his speech during the Midwives Summit 2025 held on Tuesday at Seda Hotel Vertis North, Quezon City.
That's why, he said, the salary increase and benefits for the midwives, along with other health workers are included in his agenda as the health secretary.
He noted that among other things, low salaries remain an issue for many midwives who are graduates of 3-year diploma program, unlike other Healthcare professionals with 4-year degrees.
"We need our midwives. Basically, for normal pregnancy and delivery, they're more than enough. Yet they also play crucial roles in women's healthcare and well-being," Herbosa said.
During the summit, invited experts emphasized how midwives, often the most accessible healthcare providers in rural and underserved areas, expand choices for women and families, ensuring they receive timely and appropriate care.
IMAP x ORGANON
The Integrated Midwives Association of the Phillippines (IMAP), with the support of Organon (Philippines) Incorporated made theMidwives Summit 2025 possible.
With the theme "Empowering Midwives, Expanding Access: Advancing Reproductive Health in the UHC Era," the Summit brings together midwives, government leaders, non-government organizations, and development partners to explore how midwifery mare effectively contributes to the goals of Universal Health Care.
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| IMAP Executive Director Patricia Gomez during a TV interview |
"This Summit is for every midwife who continues to serve women, familles, and communities with compassion, competence, and dedication. it is a platform to gain new knowledge, strengthen practical skills, and renew our shared passion for advancing women's health. Together, let us continue to uplift the lives of women and communities across the country," says Patricia Gomez, Executive Director of IMAP
The Summit also highlighted the evolving role of midwives in contraceptive counseling and provision, with emphasis on long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). These methods are vital in addressing gaps in family planning access, and midwives are uniquely positioned to guide women in making informed reproductive health decisions.
Another key theme is the role of midwives in advancing universal access to reproductive health (RH) services, aligned with national priorities and the global commitment to UHC. By expanding service delivery points and strengthening their integration into the health system, midwives help bridge the divide in reproductive healthcare, particularly in geographically. isolated and disadvantaged areas.
Organon Philippines, a strong advocate of women's health, emphasizes its commitment to complementing public efforts through meaningful partnerships. "At Organon, we recognize that meaningful impact is only possible when government, healthcare professionals, and the private sector work together. Midwives are often the first and most trusted point of contact for women in their communities, and we are committed to ensuring they have the right tools, training, and innovations to continue providing quality reproductive and maternal healthcare." says Carole Lopez, External Affairs and Communications Lead for Organon in Singapore, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
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| Summit moderator Dr. Nathalie Verceles with Dr. Herbosa |
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| DOH Sec. Herbosa with the PR group and media representatives covering the summit. This writer with her favorite media buddy, Mary Rose Antazo (below) |
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