Bacolod City: Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez on Tuesday praised two city government employees for their prompt assistance to a woman who gave birth in his designated parking space at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the employees, Milo Montelibano and Dondon Parandas, were commended for their swift actions. Mayor Benitez expressed his appreciation, stating, “I commend employees Milo and Dondon for their swift and compassionate response to a fellow Bacolodnon in need of urgent medical attention. Your actions reflect the true spirit of public service we uphold in our city government.”

Michelle Bolangaita, a 34-year-old resident of Barangay Handumanan, and her newborn daughter, Albea Bless, are reportedly stable and healthy. The baby was named after the mayor’s nickname, Albee. The incident unfolded after Montelibano noticed Bolangaita in a tricycle experiencing birth pains and stopped in the parking lot.

Dondon Parandas, a safety officer, responded promptly and assisted in the delivery of the baby. Parandas, who has previously helped deliver three other babies, utilized his experience to assist Bolangaita.

In an interview, Bolangaita, who was due to give birth on May 13, expressed her gratitude. “I asked our neighbor to bring me to the CHO hospital and on our way there, I was having birth pains. I’m so thankful to them for helping me deliver my baby,” she said.

Mayor Benitez humorously reflected on the event, noting that the baby was born in his assigned parking space. In a light-hearted Facebook post, he remarked, “She was born right in my assigned parking slot at the BCGC. Daw ma maninoy guid kita sini kay (It seems that I’m going to be a godfather to) Baby Albea,” along with a photo of Bolangaita and her newborn at the City Health Office (CHO) Lying-In and Birthing Center.