THE Department of Health (DOH) and the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) sought local government units’ (LGUs) help to continue the provision of family planning information for the public amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III believes that despite the woes brought by an unprecedented crisis, the Philippines remains steadfast in giving quality healthcare services, which includes family planning.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented event that has put the world to a standstill, yet the Philippines still managed to make progress in family planning. We commend our service providers and partners in the field for their unwavering dedication and efforts in making sure that family planning services are available and accessible, especially during these trying times,” Duque said.
“This is a testament that the pandemic should not be a hindrance to pursuing open conversations and continuous service provision in family planning for our kababayan,” the DOH Secretary further posited.
Executive Director of POPCOM, Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, has reiterated Duque’s claim and said that protecting a family away from an unexpected consequence is as vital as protecting them from COVID-19.
“Protecting ourselves from COVID-19 is as equally important as shielding our families from the burden of unintended pregnancies that may hinder our nation in achieving secure and comfortable lives we aspire for every Filipino family, thereby allowing our nation to reach its full economic productivity potential and improve educational outcomes,” Perez stated.
Last 2020, a 6-percent increase from the previous record or 8,085,000 Filipinos have reportedly used “modern methods” of family planning but the amount later dropped due to inaccessibility of the service caused by the pandemic.
In line with their call, the DOH and POPCOM decided to conduct a joint health event in the month of August with the theme “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning atbp.” (Let us talk about Family Panning and etc.) to celebrate National Family Planning Month.
During the month-long celebration, virtual events such as press conferences, webinars, and the like will be held including the “Usap Tayo sa National Family Planning 2021” (Let’s talk about 2021 National Family Planning) on August 4 and “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning Experts” (Let’s talk about Family Planning Experts) on the 18th.
Acknowledging the dilemmas on family planning, the event aims to promote “open conversations” and discuss “principles of informed choice,” responsible parenthood, and other involving issues.
The two agencies moreover expect to relay essential information which will equip the public to prevent potential infections of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can also lead to acquired immune-deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
To further uphold the goals of the event, DOH and POPCOM have formed 4 sub-themes enshrined in a Joint Memorandum Circular. These include:
• “Usap Tayo sa FP so you can Practice Safe Sex,”
(Let’s talk about Family Planning so you can Practice Safe Sex.)
• “Usap Tayo sa FP para sa HIV-Free ‘Pinas,”
(Let’s talk about Family Planning for an HIV-Free Philippines.)
• “Usap Tayo sa FP dahil ang Pamilyang Planado, Protektado!”; and
(Let’s talk about Family Planning because a Planned Family is a Protected Family!)
• “I CHOOSE #MalayaAkongMaging”
(I choose ‘I am free to be…”)
Lastly, the DOH and POPCOM assured that its stakeholders including LGUs can bring everything into effect by maintaining family planning as a significant service for the attainment of rights, health, and wellness of Filipino families.