Grace S. Lacquian or shall I call her “Ninang Grace” pursued her passion for maternal health, earning a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from the University of Eastern Pangasinan in 2018. Her dedication to the field led her to further her studies at the Cebu School of Midwifery in 1981, solidifying her expertise in midwifery.
Work Experience
With over three decades of experience, Ninang Grace has made significant contributions to maternal healthcare. She began her career as a midwife at the Canda Medical Clinic in 1983 before venturing abroad to serve at Al-Ali General Hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 1986 to 1990. Upon returning to the Philippines, she continued her mission at the General Santos Emergency Hospital and later established the Divine Grace Birthing Home in Angeles City, Pampanga, where she serves as the Owner and Lead Midwife since 1993.
Extracurricular Involvement
In addition to her professional endeavors, Ninang Grace is deeply involved in her community. She serves as a member of the Local Health Board of Angeles City, representing private birthing clinics, and holds the position of Treasurer of the Private Practicing Midwives Association of the Philippines (PPMAP).
Awards and Recognitions
Ninang Grace’s unwavering commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she received the Academic Recognition for Best in Clinical Practice from Pangasinan. In 2023, she was honored with the Outstanding Community Service Award from the Cebu School of Midwifery, acknowledging her exemplary contributions to maternal healthcare.
Most recently, the Philippine Federation of Professional Associations (PFPA) has recently awarded Ninang Grace as the recipient of the prestigious 11th PFPA Distinction Award 2024 for the Midwifery Profession (Private/Specialized Practice Category) which she received on February 25, 2024 at UP Diliman, Quezon City.
Her journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and a profound commitment to empowering women and ensuring safe childbirth experiences. Her tireless efforts continue to positively impact communities, leaving a lasting legacy in the field of midwifery.
Personal Background
Ninang Grace, the third child among twelve siblings born to Rosendo and Lucila Suobiron, found her life enriched by family and love. Her journey took a significant turn when she married Reynaldo “Ninong Rey” Lacquian, and together they were blessed with three children: Jonn Ray Lacquian, Leana Grace Lacquian-Pineda, and Rey Prince Lacquian.
Career Path
Since 1981, Ninang Grace has navigated life’s challenges with resilience, never allowing obstacles to deter her pursuit of a career in midwifery. Her dedication led her to volunteer as a midwife at the General Santos Emergency Hospital in 1983, showcasing her commitment to serving her community. In 1986, she ventured abroad to work as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) at Al-Ali General Hospital in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Upon her return to the Philippines, armed with invaluable experience gained abroad, Ninang Grace and her devoted husband, Ninong Rey, embarked on a journey fueled by determination, ambition, and a shared desire to make a difference. In 1993, their unwavering commitment culminated in the establishment of the Divine Grace Birthing Home, a testament to their dedication to serving and assisting others.
Professional Achievements
Throughout her career, Ninang Grace’s passion for midwifery has remained unwavering. Graduating from the Cebu School of Midwifery in 1983, she prioritized her duties as a private practicing midwife, setting an exemplary standard in maternal healthcare. Her contributions to the field have extended beyond borders, as she has been instrumental in producing globally competent midwives, highlighting the importance of innovation and continuous learning. In 2018, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Science of Midwifery from the University of Eastern Pangasinan, where she was distinguished as the Best in Clinical Practice.
Ninang Grace’s journey epitomizes resilience, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to improving maternal healthcare. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that age is no barrier to success and that innovation is integral to providing the best possible care.
Competence and Effectiveness in Community Service
Driven by a fervent desire to serve her community, she has actively collaborated with various government organizations such as the Philippine National Police and the Angeles City Anti-Drug Council, extending assistance to pregnant inmates and residents. Additionally, she has spearheaded numerous medical missions across public sectors, working alongside fellow midwives, doctors, and nurses.
Ninang Grace has also forged partnerships with institutions like Dr. Fabella Memorial Hospital and the College of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, facilitating training programs for midwifery students to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills for their profession.
Aligned with her commitment to public service, she has engaged with private sectors and non-governmental organizations such as Duyan ni Maria, advocating for the support of marginalized communities.
Furthermore, she actively supports newly established birthing homes by providing essential medical equipment through donations, ensuring they can deliver quality care to patients.
Her contributions, alongside her husband, were acknowledged by the Red Cross of Japan and Kosmic Technologies Inc., who provided them with modern medical beds to enhance patient care.
In recognition of her exemplary service, Ninang Grace has received numerous local and regional awards, acknowledging her dedication to the common good and the welfare of the community.
In conclusion, her ongoing support for birthing homes, assistance in permit processing, and provision of medical advice and business strategies have earned her a reputation as a compassionate pillar of support within her community.
Professional and Community Engagement
In today’s society, where marginalized individuals often face neglect and disdain, Divine Grace Birthing Home stands as a sanctuary, ready to extend aid and care to those in need.
Divine Grace Birthing Home operates with an unwavering commitment to promote the welfare of the general public. The Center has initiated various programs, including Buntis Day, Usapang Buntis, Women’s Month celebrations, free check-ups for pregnant women in local barangays, distribution of essential items to indigenous communities in Angeles City, and participation in initiatives such as the Barangayanihan Caravan Towards National Recovery, aligned with the Duterte Legacy in collaboration with the PNP Station 5 Health Council. Additionally, they have sponsored venues for free HIV testing for the local government unit of Angeles City and provided training in BLS-AED, Implanon, and IUD insertion.
During the pandemic, Divine Grace Birthing Home extended support by distributing homemade face shields, food packs, and various vegetables to frontline workers across Angeles City. On August 5, 2023, in partnership with CLMA Pampanga and various media outlets, Grace spearheaded efforts to address the Department of Health’s issuance of Circular NO.2021-005, focusing on adherence to the Definition of Low-risk and High-risk Pregnancy as outlined in Administrative Order NO.2012-0012.
These endeavors have not only reaffirmed Divine Grace Birthing Home’s commitment to maternal and child care but have also restored the trust and confidence in the services they provide. With nearly four decades of service, Ninang Grace, along with her dedicated staff and family, takes pride in their devotion to serving others under the banner of Divine Grace Birthing Home.