TACLOBAN CITY — The local government of Arteche in Eastern Samar announced that its newly completed SUSAN-e Center (SUStainable-nutrition And Nanay Empowerment Center), which serves as the town’s halfway house for expectant mothers, will begin operations this December.
The facility will offer safe and dignified temporary shelter for pregnant women—particularly those from far-flung barangays—who are nearing childbirth and have no place to stay while awaiting delivery.
According to Vice Mayor Roland Boie Evardone, mothers coming from outside the poblacion may stay at the center for several days or up to a week, depending on their scheduled delivery. The facility can also accommodate watchers or guardians of hospital patients who need a decent place to rest.
The project was funded through the municipality’s Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) 2024 award amounting to P1.15 million.
The SGLG, awarded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, recognizes high-performing local government units across various governance areas, including health responsiveness.
In 2023, Arteche also used its SGLG prize to construct a water refilling station, which is now awaiting a sufficient water source before it can start operating.
Vice Mayor Evardone said the new facility will support the implementation of the municipality’s Maternal and Child Care Ordinance, which provides incentives to encourage safe motherhood practices. Mothers who give birth in a health facility receive P1,000 and grocery items, while the barangay health worker or birth attendant accompanying them gets P300.
Evardone added that the initiative forms part of the LGU’s continuing efforts to strengthen maternal health, nutrition, and community empowerment.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
