The Commission on Population (POPCOM) and the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) urges members of the media to increase its stake in reproductive health (RH) and responsible parenthood advocacy following an increase in population.
POPCOM regional director Maduh Damsani says the role of the media is especially important because the United States’ assistance to the country’s contraceptive program has ended this year. Damsani calls on media partners to help government in its RH and responsible parenthood drive, citing that RH services empower families to take responsibility for their health and quality of life.
The Department of Health (DOH), POPCOM and FPOP seek to create an RH-friendly policy environment that will empower every Filipino woman, men and youth by making them understand and appreciate their sexuality and reproductive health rights better. These agencies maintain community health care clinics that provide RH services, including legal and medically-safe family planning methods and maternal and child care services.
Analysis of the national survey data since 1968 reveals that the problem revolves around the lack of correct information and access to high quality family planning and reproductive health services. Advocacy is government’s tool in promoting family planning as a way of life and making RH an integral part of individual’s well-being and development, Damsani said.
Damsani concluded that they expect an adverse affect brought about by the lack of free condoms and other contraceptives, as well as the lack of free family planning services, to those who are completely dependent on these services. (PIA)
