Mr. Midwife

Episode airs on May 7, 2007 In San Remigio, Antique, it’s the menfolk who take charge of birthing children and many of them are revered because of their ability to perform seeming miracles even during difficult labor. Favio Felix is one of these. A registered midwife, he crosses rivers and climbs mountains to service expectant mothers in the far-flung barrios of San Remigio. I-Witness’ Jay Taruc joins Favio as he helps a young woman in labor. Also by her side, is 90 year old Lolo Lucio, the traditional hilot of the town. Lolo Lucio never went to school, but is proud to say he has delivered thousands of babies in his time. The actual birthing is a tense occasion, with both the professional and traditional midwife in attendance, arguing over every detail. Jay Taruc witnesses the merging of two diverse methods in this town where one tradition has not changed … it is still the men who bring the children into the world. This fascinating documentary on midwives airs Monday late night over GMA’7’s I-Witness. MR. KUMADRONA I-Witness ni Jay Taruc Sa San Remigio, Antique, nakasalalay sa kamay ng mga lalaki ang buhay at kinabukasan ng kanilang bayan. Nakasanayan na rito na mga lalaki ang nagiging kumadrona. Si Favio Felix ay registered midwife na mahigit isang dekada nang nagpapaanak dito. Tumatawid pa siya ng sapa at umaakyat sa mga bundok upang magpaanak sa mga buntis. Naabutan ni Jay Taruc ng I-Witness ang aktwal na pagpapaanak ni Flavio. Nagkataon naming naroon din si Lolo Lucio, isa namang tradisyonal na hilot. 90 years old na si Lolo Lucio. Libu-libo na raw ang batang kanyang inilabas. Sa gitna ng pagpapaanak, nagsagutan ang dalawang kumadrona. Kitang kita ang malaking agwat ng moderno at tradisyonal na pagpapaanak. Ang mga “Mr. Kumadrona" ng San Remigio, abangan ngayong Lunes ng hatinggabi sa kakaibang I-Witness ni Jay Taruc sa GMA-7.