Camille Villar has committed to press harder for the approval of measures seeking to protect and improve the welfare of mothers in the country, especially pregnant women.
During the National Buntis Assembly organized by the Midwives Foundation of the Philippines, Villar assured the attendees of her unwavering support to the cause of mothers and expectant women.
“Sa lahat ng mga nanay dito, asahan niyo ang aking suporta sa pagpapatatag ng mga programa para sa kalusugan ng ina at anak. Sa aking trabaho po sa Kongreso, marami po akong nakahain na mga batas na naglalayong mapalawak ang access sa maternal health care para sa mga ina, lalo na po sa mga kababayan nating nasa malalayong lugar,” she said in a speech.
Among the bills that Villar has filed is House Bill No. 10697, or the Pregnant Women Welfare Act, which proposes flexible work arrangements for pregnant women and postnatal mothers.
She has also filed HBN 10695, or the proposed “Equal Maternity Protection Act,” which seeks to grant maternity benefits to women workers in the informal economy.
She is also proposing the distribution of maternity kits to low-income pregnant Filipino women to improve their prenatal care and reduce child mortality in the country. The maternity kits shall contain blankets, diapers, gauzes, towels, nappies, bedding, cloth or fabric, which could be used to make clothing for the baby, and childcare products. The contents of the package shall be updated every two years.
Back in 2023, Villar sought an investigation into the rising number of maternal deaths from childbirth and filed House Resolution 1025, with the end view of enacting a law that would strengthen and ensure easier access to health care services and programs to address maternal problems.
She has likewise filed HBN 5684 seeking to prohibit any health institution, hospital, or maternity lying-in from refusing to admit or give assistance to expecting mothers who are about to give birth.
“Sa ganitong paraan po, maisasakatuparan natin ang pangarap ko na ang bawat ina, bawat bata at bawat buhay ay mabibigyan ng ligtas at magandang simula,” Villar said.
She promised the attendess: “Ipagpapatuloy po natin ang pagtaguyod ng kapakanan ng ating mga kababaihan para sa isang mas masiglang kinabukasan para sa ating mga magiging anak.”
