CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) – The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Central Luzon is calling on couples to practice responsible parenthood.
This is as the country observes the National Family Planning Month in August.
CPD 3 Regional Director Lourdes Nacionales stressed that family planning is essential to safeguard the health and future of Filipino families.
“Kung malusog anng ina, malusog ang anak, malusog ang pamilya. Kapag pinlani ang pamilya at kaunti lamang ang anak, mas nabibigyan sila ng sapat na pagkain, edukasyon, at magandang oportunidad sa trabaho. (If the mother is healthy, the child is healthy, the family is healthy. When families are planned and couples have fewer children, they are better provided with adequate food, education, and good job opportunities),” she said.
Throughout August, local government units across the region, along with civil society organizations, have been implementing various advocacy-building activities on the benefits of family planning.
Nacionales also reported that Central Luzon continues to post a high rate of “demand satisfied” for family planning services, which means that couples are able to access the family planning methods they need.
However, she acknowledged that reaching marginalized and remote communities continues to pose challenges, because of misconceptions and cultural beliefs.
Family planning services, including pills, condoms, injectables, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and permanent methods such as bilateral tubal ligation and non-scalpel vasectomy, are available for free at barangay health centers and rural health units.
“Libre po ang lahat ng family planning methods. Ang kailangan lang gawin ng mag-asawa ay pumunta sa pinakamalapit na barangay health center para sa counseling at serbisyo. (All family planning methods are free. All couples need to do is go to the nearest barangay health center for counseling and services),” the director cited.
She added that CPD, through its local partners, conducts house-to-house visits and community seminars to promote responsible parenthood and ensure couples have accurate information.
For inquiries, CPD Region III can be reached through its Facebook page Komisyon sa Populasyon at Pagpapaunlad Gitnang Luzon or via email region3@cpd.gov.ph for service referrals and other clarifications. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
