Birth Amongst Rice Fields: An Inspiring Tale of an 18-Year-Old’s Remarkable Journey

In the city of Tacloban, nestled near a rice field, 18-year-old Rya Bacate finds himself sitting in a chair by the roadside. Meanwhile, his pregnant girlfriend, Aaly Pesado, also 18, is three miles away from the nearest hospital in Tolosa, preparing to give birth.

Bacate and Pesado were on their way to the clinic on Bacate’s motorbike when, along the road, a man on another motorcycle raced to Tolosa to fetch Norina Malate. Malate arrived to find the baby’s head already crowning. Urging Pesado to keep pushing, Malate sterilized her scissors with alcohol and skillfully cut the umbilical cord after the baby was born. Soon, Pesado and her newborn baby boy were safely loaded onto a pickup vehicle that would transport them to the Tolosa clinic.

This extraordinary delivery was documented by photographer Lynsey Addario while on assignment for Save the Children, an organization aiding in the reconstruction of healthcare systems in areas affected by the Haiyan typhoon.

“I have never witnessed anything quite like it,” remarks Addario. “It was truly a collective effort by the community. When you see a baby being born like that, and everything turns out fine, you can’t help but think: It’s nothing short of miraculous.”

This powerful story serves as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of individuals facing challenging circumstances. The collaborative spirit and determination exhibited during this birth highlight the strength of community bonds in times of need.