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Abstract: The disparity in maternal and child healthcare is glaring in the global scene, and the phenomenon is evident in healthcare systems at national, regional, and local levels in the Philippines. This qualitative research aims to examine the maternal healthcare needs of the seven (7) young Higaonon mothers using the narrative inquiry inductive method. Core narratives were derived from personal narratives gathered during multiple interview sessions. Strict ethical and legal protocols, as outlined by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, were adhered to. A simple story structure, consisting of a beginning, middle, and end, was employed. The story of young Higaonon mothers unfolds: The Beginning of Life: From Union to Fruition: A New Life in the Woman’s Womb: Pregnancy (Ang Pagmamdos/ (Ab’ttong), A Woman in Travail: My Life, My Blood, My Child; My Life: Nurturing the Self (Ang Pag-amuma sa Kaugalingun), My Blood: Nourishing a new life with my blood within, (Ang Tinubdan sa Kinabuhi). My Child: Nurturing the Baby in My Womb (Ang Pag-amuma sa “binhi” o “bata”); From Contractions to Expulsion: Labor in Pregnancy (Ang Pagbati’), Childbirth (Ang Pagpanganak), From Placental Delivery to Postpartum Recovery (Ang Paggawas sa Inunlan ug Kaulian). The hallmark of the stages of pregnancy denotes the needs of the young Higaonon mothers, described in a blend of Local Wisdom in Healthcare and Utilization of Healthcare Delivery Services: A better access to distant healthcare facilities, safe health information and education, scarcity of personnel, equipment and supplies, financial constraints, communication barriers among others which form part of the recommended Integrative Higaonon Maternal Healthcare Intervention (IHMHI): A culturally sensitive approaches in Strengthening, Supporting, and Sustaining the Health Systems: access, cost, and equity.
Key Words: maternal, healthcare, young Higaonon mothers
