09 June 2017 marks the start of the construction of the first B'laan tribe-inspired birthing home.
Following the B’laan custom of starting new endeavors on a full moon and while the sun is rising, the Groundbreaking Ceremonies of the ALAGA KA Landan Birthing Home were held on the full moon day of 09 June 2017 from 6 to 8 o’clock in the morning.
The ceremony started with a Damsu, a B’laan ritual of prayer and offering presided by the tribal chieftain; followed by the usual breaking of the ground and the lowering of a time capsule which contains mementos such as the ALAGA KA Birthing Home’s architectural plans, list of donors, and a front page of a newspaper published on 09 June 2017.
DOH RO-12 Regional Director Dr. Francisco Mateo; South Cotabato PHO Dr. Rogelio Aturdido; Polomolok Councilor on Health Ms. Melanie Deypalan who represented Mayor Matti; Polomolok MHO Dr. Edwin Dipus; Landan Brgy. Chairman Mr. Jerry Ante; United Architect of the Philippines (UAP) SOCKSARGEN Chapter President Ar. Michael Garronita; Indigenous People Mandatory Representative (IPMR)-Board Member Mr. Edgar Sambog; HFI Executive Director Becks M. Galvez Tan, the Blaan elders, barangay council and members of the community of Landan all participated in the ceremonies.
The ALAGA KA Landan Birthing Home is one of the very few culturally sensitive Birthing Homes in the Philippines, incorporating the B’laan way of life in its architectural design, to provide quality health care that accommodates B’laan traditions for pregnant mothers.
The construction of the facility led by UAP SOCKSARGEN with consultations from the B’laan elders is expected be completed by September 2017, ready to serve a population of at least 6,380 B’laan tribe members.
Check out more photos here: Landan Birthing Home Groundbreaking Ceremonies
