Woman gives birth at MMDA vaccination site

MANILA, Philippines — Medical workers leading a vaccination drive in the main office of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) found themselves in another mission on Monday — helping a woman give birth after no clinic was available to take her in.

According to the MMDA, a tricycle driver went to the agency’s vaccination site at around 5 p.m. on Monday, bringing along his 26-year-old wife who he said was experiencing labor pains.

The couple had gone to a lying-in clinic near Guadalupe Church but found the facility closed.

They also went to the nearby Guadalupe Nuevo barangay hall where they were asked to wait.

This was when the tricycle driver decided to seek help at the MMDA headquarters which happened to be in the area.

It’s a girl

The MMDA’s vaccination team immediately prepared a makeshift delivery table while waiting for an ambulance which they had called to arrive.

Within 14 minutes, the woman gave birth to a baby girl.

The couple and their infant were later endorsed to a nearby hospital for further management, the MMDA said.

The agency’s chair, Benhur Abalos, said this incident underscored the vital role of medical front-liners in these trying times.

“They don’t just vaccinate but they are also ready and willing to help those who need immediate medical attention,” he said.