‘No mother should be placed at risk’: Gov. Edduba backs AGGMC expansion of maternal care in Kalinga

PINUKPUK, Kalinga — Governor James S. Edduba has lauded the Abundant Grace of God Maternity Center (AGGMC) for expanding maternal healthcare services in Kalinga, stressing that mothers should not face greater health risks simply because they live far from major hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Edduba's message was delivered by his representative, Marco Pagtud, during the inauguration of the Abundant Grace of God Maternity Center–Pinukpuk Extension in Cullayangan, Junction Pinukpuk on September 19, 2026.

The governor said the opening of the facility represents the addition of another healthcare center and an opportunity to bring essential maternal services closer to communities.

“Every mother deserves access to proper prenatal care. Every woman deserves to give birth in a safe and supportive environment. And every child deserves the best possible beginning in life,” Edduba said.

He emphasized that maternal and child health remains a priority of the Provincial Government of Kalinga, citing the need to strengthen health programs, support healthcare workers, improve facilities and build partnerships that expand access to essential services.

Edduba also linked the initiative to the LUMIN-AWA Kalinga agenda, which seeks to bring development closer to communities and improve the quality of life of Kalinga families.

“This is also very much in keeping with the spirit of our LUMIN-AWA Kalinga agenda—a commitment to a Kalinga where development reaches our communities and where government works to improve the quality of life of every Kalinga family,” he said.

Bringing maternal care closer

The governor recognized AGGMC for its years of service to Kalinga families, particularly mothers and children who need accessible maternal care.

“Healthcare should not be determined by distance. And no mother should be placed at greater risk simply because she lives far from a major hospital or healthcare facility. This is why initiatives such as this are important,” Edduba said.

In Kalinga and other geographically challenging areas, bringing maternal services closer to communities can help address distance and transportation barriers to timely care.

Partnership already serving remote communities

Edduba noted that the partnership between the provincial government and AGGMC is not new.

He recalled their previous cooperation in Tinglayan, where AGGMC established an extension to serve mothers in geographically difficult-to-reach communities.

In 2023, the provincial government responded to AGGMC's request by providing an ambulance for its Tinglayan Extension in Bugnay.

“That ambulance was not simply a vehicle. It was a means of bringing mothers to care when they needed it most. It was a means of connecting remote communities to emergency services. And ultimately, it was an investment in the safety of mothers and their children,” Edduba said.

He described the experience as an example of meaningful partnership—identifying a need, listening to communities and finding ways to respond together.

Edduba also thanked AGGMC's leadership, officers, staff and partners for continuing to bring maternal healthcare services closer to Kalinga communities.

He called for continued cooperation among municipalities and barangays, health workers and midwives, civic and faith-based organizations, and private and nonprofit institutions in addressing the healthcare needs of residents.

“Government cannot and should not work alone...and when all these sectors come together, our people are the ones who benefit,” he added.

To mothers in Pinukpuk and neighboring communities, Edduba expressed hope that the new facility would become a place of “care, safety, and hope.”

The inauguration was led by Director Georgia Macad, together with the AGGMC Board of Directors and staff, representatives of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, guests and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Edward Tandingan.

The opening of the Pinukpuk extension marks another step toward expanding maternal healthcare access in Kalinga, particularly for communities where distance can make timely access to healthcare more difficult.