ORMOC CITY – What began as an ordinary sea voyage turned into a memorable life event after a 25-year-old woman safely gave birth to a healthy baby boy aboard a passenger ferry bound for Leyte on July 10.
Goldy Kaye Maglasang delivered her son while traveling aboard the M/V Joyful Stars of Roble Shipping Inc., as the vessel was en route from Cebu to Leyte.
With no medical personnel immediately available, fellow passengers with knowledge of childbirth stepped in to assist the mother. They were joined by one of the ship’s newly hired crew members, who was able to help because she had learned basic birthing procedures from her grandmother, a midwife.
The impromptu teamwork ensured the safe delivery of both mother and child before the vessel reached port.
Maglasang was traveling to Maasin City in Southern Leyte to join her partner when she went into labor.
The birth also carried a special significance for the new mother. A recent cum laude graduate of Cebu Technological University–Tuburan Campus with a Bachelor of Industrial Technology major in Computer Technology, Maglasang gave birth on her own birthday.
Born on July 10, 2001, she welcomed her son into the world exactly 25 years later—on July 10, 2026.
Both mother and baby were reported to be in good condition following the successful delivery.
(ROBERT DEJON)
