Population board appeals for LGUs to hype World Contraception Day
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| Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano |
BUTUAN CITY -- The Caraga Regional Population Executive Board (RPEB) issued a fervent appeal to all local government units within its jurisdiction to actively support World Contraception Day, on September 26, 2023. The call came with a request for LGUs to engage in activities aligned with the theme and objectives of this global observance.
Chaired by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Caraga Regional Director Alexander A. Makinano, the RPEB emphasized the pivotal role of contraceptive information and services in safeguarding the health and human rights of individuals. Preventing unintended pregnancies contributed significantly to reducing maternal ill-health and the number of pregnancy-related deaths.
Director Makinano stressed that World Contraception Day is a testament to the fact that family planning is not merely a local or national initiative; it's a global endeavor. Worldwide, family planning is acknowledged as a fundamental means of achieving responsible parenthood, effectively addressing the diverse needs and demands of families, especially concerning children. He further highlighted that when couples attain a high quality of family life, it becomes a potent tool for achieving societal goals, inclusive growth, and development.
The RPEB of Caraga Region has meticulously developed an extensive plan to celebrate World Contraception Day. This plan aims not only to raise awareness but also to actively involve the community, policymakers, and the private sector in advancing reproductive health and responsible family planning in the Caraga Region, Philippines.
The overarching theme for World Contraception Day 2023 is "Your Life, Your Choices" on a national scale, with a localized theme of "Usap Tayo sa Family Planning." These themes collectively strived to establish a society where every pregnancy is a chosen one, and every individual possesses the right to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health.
The comprehensive plan seeks to achieve specific outcomes, including the enhanced awareness and knowledge regarding contraception and reproductive health, particularly among young adults and the broader community. It also envisions improved access to accurate information about contraceptive methods, promoting open and constructive discussions on family planning within households.
Furthermore, the plan aims to engage local government officials, urging their commitment to support reproductive health policies, while also rallying the private sector to actively advocate responsible family planning. Ultimately, the plan strives to increase the utilization of contraceptive services among young adults, thus contributing to a decrease in unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions.
The plan's holistic approach aligns with ongoing efforts to reinforce comprehensive sex education in schools, ensuring that young adults receive the necessary knowledge and support to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health.
The RPEB of Caraga Region invited the local government unit and the community at large to actively partake in World Contraception Day activities, making a collective effort toward responsible family planning, healthier lives, and brighter future for all. (May Ann O. Escobal, CPD Caraga/PIA Caraga)
