Cruz, E. J. M. (2015). Improving facility based delivery of conditional cash transfer beneficiaries through strict program implementation in San Jose, Romblon (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management Graduate School of Public and Development Management Batch 5 Graduate School of Public and Development Management

San Jose, Romblon is a 5th class island municipality in the southernmost part of the island province. Due to its geographic isolation and high poverty incidence, the populace face myriad of health difficulties that disable them to achieve universal healthcare. A significant health issue in this municipality is incidence of maternal mortality. In 2010 to 2013, there is a regular annual incidence of maternal mortality mainly due to postpartum complications. Most of these case could have been prevented of mothers sought consult to health institutions and delivered their children in birthing facilities. Majority of the mothers who deliver at home are members of the Conditional Cash Transfer Program and they are identified as the group with the potential to be casualties of this highly preventable cause of mortality. The goal of this action plan and project is to prevent maternal mortality of all women through facility based delivery, with focus on the beneficiaries of Conditional Cash Transfer Program. Being a beneficiary, the recipients have stipulations to ensure the child and maternal health. This study aims to identify the perception of the beneficiaries regarding their responsibilities as conditional cash recipients. It is also imperative to investigate the reasons behind the low facility based delivery of their group. Another objective of this study is to identify the gaps, issues and concern in the program and its implementers that hinder the accomplishment of then program objectives, and lastly, to identify the effects of strict program implementation and the adherence to responsibilities with the maternal health outcomes. Family development sessions, informal interviews, focused group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with the beneficiaries, Municipal Link Officer, selected RGU and barangay health staff. Review of program and beneficiary health responsibilities were done during a Family Development Session where all women are required to attend. The importance of maternal health was discussed and beneficiaries agreed on their responsibility of seeking prenatal and postnatal consolations. Based on the result of the eFHSIS, the facility based delivery improved from 66% in 2010, 91% in 2013 to 96% in 2015. The pronounced changes in health seeking behavior of women are attributed to health education, program review, strict implementation of responsibilities and enforcement of local policy on facility based delivery to improve health of women in San Jose, Romblon. It is therefore recommended that institutionalization of the existing policy at the level of the municipality is desired for the whole population of San Jose, Romblon. Continuation of government support and participation of the populace will maintain the present status of maternal health outcomes.