Likhaan

Tatiana Avila

Magdalena Bacalando didn’t know what to do when her first-born child developed a fever. Being a first-time mom who had little knowledge about child-rearing, she sought for whatever kind of help was made available. That was when she discovered Likhaan, an organization that was formed specially to address the reproductive needs of women.

“Napakahirap na wala ka talagang alam. Nung na-meet ko yung Likhaan shempre nagbibigay sila ng mga pag-aaral. Kahit yung mga palatandaan at ano yung dapat gawin kung may lagnat ang bata. Yung effect talaga sakin, sa aking pamilya, malaking tulong siya,” said Magdalena.

Since then, Magdalena, now a mother of four, has understood motherhood and her role better. She has also been actively involved with the projects organized by Likhaan. She is currently a board member of the said organization and the president of Mothers’ Organization for Total Health Education Research Services (MOTHERS).

In its twelve years of existence, Likhaan continuous to help women like Magdalena. Founded in the year 1995, Likhaan (Tagalog for ‘creation’) which stands for Linangan ng Kababaihan, promotes women’s rights through education and training programs, and putting up community health clinics.

“Ang layunin talaga (ng Likhaan) ay ma-empower ang women lalo na sa usapin ng iba’t ibang issues ng kababaihan. Tapos makapagbigay din ng pangangailangan sa kalusugan ng mothers,” Magdalena explained.

Although health clinics were basically established for women, its doors are open to just about anyone in need of medical assistance as Likhaan tries to widen its reach and provide for the needs of the whole family. “Bagamat ang buong konsepto talaga ay women center, yung serbisyong pangkababaihan, hindi namin maalis magbigay ng bakuna sa bata, general medical check-up at iba pang serbisyong pampamilya kasi mas uunahin ng women yung kanilang pamilya bago sila. Huling huli talaga ang kanilang sarili,” she added.

At present, Likhaan has health clinics in the cities of Pasay, Malabon and Quezon and the provinces of Bulacan, Bohol and Samar which cater to the needs of the marginalized communities near the area.

The success of Likhaan in promoting women’s reproductive rights is due, in more ways than one, to the dedication of its staff. The extent to which they are willing to help goes beyond the call of duty. There are times when they open their own homes for pregnant patients who experienced being raped or other forms of domestic violence and unable to return to their families.

Just last year, Magdalena took in a pregnant teenager who was a rape survivor. She attempted to commit suicide twice before seeking help from Likhaan. After she attended counseling sessions, she decided to go through with the pregnancy under one condition—she will have nothing to do with the baby after giving birth. Seven months under the care of Magdalena and the baby was born. It was time for Magdalena to put the baby up for adoption.

It was not the first time this happened. Magdalena revealed that there are even cases when women choose to have an abortion. In such cases, Likhaan usually recommends counseling.

“Hindi lang ang pagpapalaglag ang paraan para mahinto kung anuman ang kinatatakutan nila. Pero sa kanila parin ang desisyon. Kahit binigay mo na lahat ng information at nagdesisyon parin… at least informed decision yun,” said Magdalena as she explained that their health clinics are not equipped to perform abortion. What they usually do after counseling is refer women to the experts who can perform the procedure properly.

The staff of Likhaan is well-trained in counseling and performing basic medical procedures like check-ups, pre-natal and post-natal care and papsmear. Some members of Likhaan who are certified doctors conduct trainings and supervise the medical procedures.

Magdalena confessed that it took some time before the staff was able to gain the trust of the public. “Hindi naman ganoon kadali kunin ang tiwala ng mamamayan na kapwa mo lang din naman nanay. Bakit sila magpapagamot sa isang kapitbahay lang nila?”

But through the years, Likhaan has proven itself in its sincerity and competence to serve. It has earned not just the trust but the respect of the people. Now more and more women seek the help of the organization. And for as long as they are able, Magdalena and her colleagues are more than willing to respond. ■