The Agutaya Rural Health Unit can now provide delivery services for low-risk pregnancies after becoming the municipality’s first Department of Health-accredited birthing home.
The RHU secured its License to Operate from the DOH Center for Health Development-MIMAROPA, allowing it to provide a service that was previously unavailable at the facility.
“Ngayon po, official na kaming pwede magpaanak. Dati po allowed lang kami mag-prenatal. Although, as birthing home, low-risk pregnant lang po ang allowed as per DOH memorandum,” Municipal Health Officer Dr. Mark Jason Sibayan told Palawan News.
To meet DOH standards, the RHU renovated its labor and delivery rooms, installed a sterile area, improved its doors, windows and comfort rooms, and acquired medicines and equipment for maternal and newborn care.
Its doctor, nurses and midwives also underwent training, while the facility adopted standard operating protocols for birthing home services.
The accreditation process began in 2018 but was delayed by facility limitations and the COVID-19 pandemic. The application resumed last year under the administration of Mayor Fernando G. Ilustrisimo Sr., leading to the issuance of the License to Operate this year.
Sibayan said the accreditation marked a milestone for the municipal health office and the local government.
“Yes po. This is a milestone po for the MHO, led by Dr. Mark Jason Sibayan, and the LGU po, led by Municipal Mayor Hon. Fernando G. Ilustrisimo, Sr.,” he said.
The DOH-accredited facility has a two-bed capacity and requires mothers to undergo 24-hour observation after giving birth.
Sibayan said the accreditation is expected to improve access to safe maternal and newborn care in Agutaya by ensuring that birthing services follow national health standards.
“This license is more than a recognition—it is our renewed commitment to serve every mother, every newborn, and every family with quality, compassionate, and safe healthcare,” he said.
