A total of 8,085,000 Filipinos used modern methods of family planning (FP), a 6-percent increase from last year.
MORE and more Filipinos are learning the importance of family planning especially in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Population Commission (Popcom).
In a joint statement released by Popcom and the Department of Health (DOH) Wednesday, the two agencies said 2020, a total of 8,085,000 Filipinos used modern methods of family planning (FP), a 6-percent increase from last year.
However, there were also reports on dropouts which can be attributed to difficulties in accessing FP services due to Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns.
“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 FP. We commend our service providers and partners in the field for their unwavering dedication and efforts in making sure that FP services are available and accessible, especially during these trying times,” Health Secretary Francisco Duque III 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,” he added.
The DOH, POPCOM, and various partners, will remain relentless in investing in the health and rights of women as well as couples, so they can have the power to choose, plan and attain their goals and dreams for themselves and their families.
The DOH and POPCOM have earlier announced a joint health event in celebration of the National Family Planning Month this August with the umbrella theme: “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning atbp.”
It will be anchored on the principles of informed choice and promotion of open conversations about family planning and allied topics.
In the Joint Memorandum Circular between the two agencies, the observance will have four sub-themes that include: “Usap Tayo sa FP so you can Practice Safe Sex”; “Usap Tayo sa FP para sa HIV-Free ‘Pinas”; “Usap Tayo sa FP dahil ang Pamilyang Planado, Protektado!”; and “I CHOOSE #MalayaAkongMaging”.
The celebration is aimed at integrating the messaging on family planning within the context of sexual and reproductive health during health crises, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection which can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), informed choice and responsible parenthood, and adolescent health and development.
“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,” Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, Executive Director of POPCOM, said.
Tags: #PopulationCommission, #DepartmentOfHealth, #familyplanning, #Covid19