DAVAO CITY, Philippines — More than 40 healthcare workers, local officials, and civil society partners gathered in Davao City from July 27 to 30, 2026, for the municipal rollout of the Maternal and Neonatal Death Surveillance and Response (MNDSR) and the Maternal and Neonatal Death Reporting System (MNDRS). Organized by the Ministry of Health (MOH-BARMM) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc. (CBCS), the intensive four-day workshop aimed to strengthen local health systems and eliminate preventable maternal and newborn mortality across the Special Geographic Area (SGA).
The capacity-building initiative brought together primary health delegates—including Municipal Health Officers, public health nurses, midwives, and private birthing clinic staff from SGA municipalities such as Kapalawan, Kadayangan, Old Kaabakan, and Tugunan. Participants received rigorous training in tracking mortality trends, applying the international ICD-11 cause-of-death coding taxonomy, and mitigating the “Three Delays” in health service delivery: delays in seeking care, reaching care, and receiving quality care. A key highlight was the digital implementation of the web-based BARMM MNDRS portal, which streamlines prompt case notifications and enforces mandatory monthly “zero-reporting” for areas without recorded deaths.
The Government of Japan financed the initiative via its Embassy in the Philippines as part of the BABAE Project. Ms. Romina Sta. Clara, Head of the UNFPA Mindanao Sub-Office, highlighted the strategic value of localized health systems and reaffirmed UNFPA’s strong commitment to rights-based reproductive care.
“Every mother and newborn in the Bangsamoro deserves quality, dignified, and life-saving care,” Sta. Clara stated. “Through the BABAE Project, our goal in establishing robust surveillance systems like the MNDSR is not merely to record data but to transform it into urgent, life-saving community action so that no woman or child dies giving life.”
Echoing this vision, Dr. Raymond John Naguit, MD, representing the UNFPA Central Office, noted that each maternal and newborn death presents a critical opportunity to reform health delivery systems. By linking localized data directly to municipal planning, resource allocation, and policy, the partnership seeks to accelerate progress toward national and global Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) maternal health targets.
Throughout the workshop, facilitators emphasized a strict non-punitive operational ethos: “No Name, No Blame, No Shame.” Dr. Ahmad-Fawadz A. Israel, MD, Director II for Technical Services, speaking on behalf of MOH-BARMM, reassured frontline workers that accountability in mortality reviews focuses on systemic improvements rather than individual fault:
“The MNDSR and digital reporting portal are operational tools for system repair, not mechanisms for fault-finding,” Dr. Fawadz affirmed. “By understanding the systemic breakdowns, whether in referral logistics, medical supplies, or triage protocols, MOH-BARMM and local government units (LGUs) can directly address bottlenecks and safeguard our primary health facilities.”
To solidify the training’s impact, participating Municipal Rural Health Units (RHUs) developed concrete Re-Entry Action Plans. These localized action plans outline immediate post-workshop steps, including community-level health education, local review team activations, and stronger referral networks for emergency obstetric care.
The workshop concluded with significant technical gains. Pre- and post-activity assessments revealed a substantial increase in participant proficiency, jumping from a baseline score of 67% to nearly 89%.
Mr. Guiamel M. Alim, CBCS Chairperson, ended his closing remarks with a heartfelt plea for health workers to remain and build the Bangsamoro community together, stating:
“Health extends far beyond basic care—it is a fundamental prerequisite for elevating our entire region. I appeal to our doctors and nurses to resist migrating overseas and dedicate at least the next ten years to serving the Special Geographic Area. Our region needs your skilled hands now more than ever as we build its foundation. Let us commit to a three-fold push: increased investment in healthcare, a rigorous fight against corruption, and the firm establishment of good governance.”
Closing keynotes from MOH-BARMM and CBCS praised the frontliners for their dedication and urged them to operationalize their review teams immediately.
Writer: Monawara M. Kumayog, BABAE Project Officer
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