Health workers at the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila work through the long weekend on October 31, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila is prepared to welcome expectant mothers likely to give birth on New Year’s Day, a hospital official said Tuesday.

Bilang ng New Year babies na isinilang sa Fabella Hospital ngayong 2024 bumaba

Dr. Jeglen Cruz, the hospital’s senior house officer, said all staff members are on standby, with medical equipment and supplies ready for use.

As of 8 a.m., three mothers have been admitted and are expected to give birth soon.

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Among the patients was Arnieth Edaño, 33, who is expecting her fourth child. 

“Excited na kinakabahan,” she said, laughing. 

(I’m excited but nervous.)

The government-run Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, located in the Sta. Cruz district, is considered the largest maternity and children’s hospital in the Philippines.

According to Cruz, this makes it a key indicator of the country’s birth rate.

“Siyempre, bagong buhay, bagong grasya, blessing sa atin. Sa mga Pilipino, ang bagong baby ay isang new blessing sa pamilya,” he said.

(Of course, new life, new grace—it’s a blessing for us. For Filipinos, a new baby is always a new blessing for the family.)

The hospital anticipates more admissions as New Year’s Eve approaches. 

“Definitely, we are confident that we are prepared for all the patients that we are going to encounter today until tomorrow morning,” Cruz said. 

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