THE Zamboanga Puericulture Center (ZPC) has launched the “Alcancia de Parto,” a savings scheme aimed to help pregnant women save money in preparation for giving birth.

Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, ZPC president, said the Alcancia de Parto is a piggy bank concept program that will enable a couple to save money for the baby’s birth by depositing an amount with the Puericulture cashier during their prenatal visits.

Agbulos said the couple usually has nine months to save and prepare for the birth of their baby but some do not have the necessary funds for hospitalization during birth as they failed to save money.

He said the benefits of the program also include free ultrasound and check-up services and free scholarship for first time mothers aside from the payment for the delivery of the baby.

The ZPC president said normally the couple spends from P3,000 to P60,000 in giving birth depending on the manner of delivery.

He said so far 20 pregnant women have already enrolled since they recently launched the program.

He added that some 500 pregnant women from this city’s different villages seek consultation monthly at the ZPC, which specializes in maternity services.

Agbulos has once served as the city health officer. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)