In her message during the WPFI's 3rd National Assembly, the president likwise lauded the WFMC network for their role in purveying entrepreneurial leadership among the country's midwives. She also articulated that the foundation deserves recognition for carving out a niche for midwives in the field of family wellness.

The occasion, with the theme "WFMC Franchising: An Innovation in the Business of Health" underscores the vital participation of our midwives not only in health services but in enterprise development as well. "Thus I commend your organization for seeking to expand its network through this national assembly…" Arroyo stated.

The 3rd national assembly was held last November 18-19, 2004 at the Apo View Hotel in Davao City. The event highlighted the achievements of the past year and launched another breakthrough in the franchising endeavor of the network, as WFPI aims to go into commercial franchising with the introduction of the WFMC brand of quality health care service to the private sector.

Health Secretary Manuel M. Dayrit, meanwhile, called upon WPFI to take on the challenge with full commitment and passion. In his message he expressed his hopes that "the significant event will inspire the dynamic people of WPFI to deliver better service in ensuring the health and well-being of our countrymen."

For nearly 10 years now, the midwife entrepreneurs of WFMC's franchise network continue to make their mark as the local government's staunch allies in providing quality health care services to communities all over the country. Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte of Davao City, in his message at the national assembly, singled out the unparalleled performance of WFMCs in extending health care services to his constituents.

Opening up the WFMC franchise to new investors is considered to be the next big step in realizing the franchising endeavors of WPFI. This vision will indeed make full-fledged entrepreneurs out of the WFMC midwife owners/ managers, says JSI Research and Training Institute's former resident advisor, Ms. Easter Y. Dasmarinas.

"It is your responsibility to carry the torch of the network into the next dimension of business operations - to make your mark in the commercial franchise industry. This is truly a big challenge, but we are confident that you will essay the role with vigor and passion, knowing that you have the commitment of your members and the continuing support of friends and partners who have been instrumental in the success of this network", Dasmarinas stated in her message.

Dasmarinas also highlighted the strive for excellence that the WFMC Diamond Awardees have exhibited in their quest not only to become outstanding midwife entrepreneurs but also in providing inspiration to their fellow clinic managers.

Midwife entrepreneurs vied for the coveted WFMC Diamond Awards for Excellence in Patient Care, Family Planning Initiatives, Leadership, Business Management and Collaboration.

More than 150 midwife entrepreneurs from all over the country, as well as by partner NGOs, midwife associations and participating representatives from other private agencies attended the event. The honorable Congressman Edcel C. Lagman, a staunch supporter of the population management program, and DOH Undersecretary Dr. Dolores Castillo also graced the 3rd national assembly.

Symposiums held during the national assembly included:

• "Franchising Relationships: Its Context in Social Setting" by Armando O. Bartolome, president of GMB Franchise Developers

• "Legal Implications - Abandoned Babies" by Antonio D. Rebosa, M.D., Ll.b., physician-lawyer of the Casto & Rebosa Law Office

• "Evidence-based Medicine in Oral Contraceptive: What is New and What is Coming?" by Elmer Chua, M.D., member of the Philippines EBRM/Davao Medical Hospital

• "Hormonal Contraception" by Dr. Sylvia de Santos-Santos, M.D., FPOGS, medical advisor of Organon Philippines

The WFMC is supported by the United States Agency for International Development (US-AID). To date, WFMCs can be found in most key urban areas and municipalities in the country. The network was established in partnership with 10 NGOs around the country, namely:

• Cebu Family Panning Organization Inc. (CFPOI)

• Community Health and Development Inc. (COMDEV)

• Davao Medical School Foundation (DMSF)

• Hope for Change, Inc. (HFC)

• Integrated Maternal Child Care Services and Development Inc. (IMCCSDI)

• Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH)

• Kadtuntaya Foundation (KFI)

• Leyte Family Development Foundation (LEFADO)

• Negros Occidental Rehabilitation Foundation Inc. (NORFI)

• NORFIL Foundation Inc. (NORFIL)

The WPFI 3rd National Assembly was supported by USAID and was sponsored by Nestle Philippines and Dumex Philippines. Johnson and Johnson, SCA Drypers, Organon Philippines and Pharma Genesis Inc also present it.

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1st Quarter Cluster Meeting Highlights (continued)

In particular, the following topics and latest WPFI updates were cascaded to the midwives during the 1st Quarter Cluster Meetings:

Operations

• Latest Philhealth accreditation
  - Distribution of latest Philhealth circulars

• Updates on DOH Licensing
  - Distribution of new Application Forms

• Discussed Clinic Standards

• Updates on 2005 National Assembly

Human Resources

• HR Organizational Structure

• HR Employees' Basic Functions

• 2005 Projects, Programs & Activities
  a) Trainings (NBS. NSV, FH, Others)
  b) Introduction of Continuing Education Program (CEP)
  c) Free Training for selected midwives
  d) Midwife Competency Dictionary

• WFMC Diamond Awards - distributed Nomination Form

• Launching of "Search for 2006 Theme and Design"

• Distribution of HR Information System Form

• Updates on Philamlife Insurance Group

• Globe Cellular Phones - midwives to avail of corporate rates for selected cellular phones

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WPFI Board of Trustees Meet

The WPFI Board of Trustees met lat January 20 to 21, 2005 at the Rembrandt Hotel in Quezon City. The trustees discussed WPFI's Business Plan for 2005 which aims to further strengthen the WFMC network and its service offerings.

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Health Education Sessions Held

In keeping with their commitment to educate their communities on Family Planning and Maternal and Child Health, WFMC Managers Nanelita Uy of Toledo City and Herlyn Bocalbos of Cembo, Makati held Health Education Sessions (HES) in their respective communities with hundreds of participants in attendance. Photo at left shows the crowd at Ms. Uy's seminar, while photo at right shows Ms. Bocalbos assisted by her Family Planning (FP) advocate.

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