Strengthening Media, Health Literacy: FORUM Collaborates with DOH on media conference for 2024 Family Planning Month
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By Kahel Rebadolla
Subic Bay, Olongapo City – The Philippines celebrates National Family Planning Month this August with the theme, “Panalo ang Pamilyang Planado! Tara, Usap Tayo sa Family Planning!” The month-long celebration brings together stakeholders, government agencies, non-government organizations like the Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc., Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocates, and communities to engage in various activities aimed at raising awareness about SRHR and family planning in the country. These efforts show the importance of informed decision-making and comprehensive policies to improve SRHR services for all, so that no one is left behind.
As part of the celebration, the Department of Health's Health Education and Promotion Bureau organized a media conference entitled "Engaging Media for Health Literacy," which focused on immunization and sexual and reproductive health and rights. The media conference, which is the third of a series of conferences, aimed to enhance the media's understanding and appreciation of different public health topics, such as immunization and SRHR, to ensure accurate and responsible reporting. The Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc. (FORUM) Vice President Dr. Jeepy Perez was invited as a key speaker to share insights on SRHR and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) law across life stages.
The conference covered a wide range of topics that included the country's immunization program, the "U=U" campaign by community-based organizations and the Department of Health for HIV and AIDS. The discussion then shifted to SRHR and family planning issues in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for inclusive, comprehensive, and people-centered programs.
Deputy Executive Director of the Commission on Population and Development Mr. Lolito Tacardon emphasized that family planning intersects with many health issues and broader socio-economic concerns. He highlighted the persistent challenge of teenage pregnancy in the country, which is often linked to intergenerational poverty and other socio-economic problems. Tacardon pointed out that, "Intergenerational poverty ay nakakaapekto sa maagang pagbubuntis at pag-aasawa, kahit na i-advocate namin na bumalik sila sa school, hindi na sila makabalik kasi mayroon na silang inaalagaan—very evident ‘yang mga ‘yan."
He further explained, “Population is a critical component of development. We still have to consider that increasing population is an opportunity for us, but each person born should have access to services and live well, contributing to the country's economy.”
Dr. Jimmy Dumlao from the Pediatrics-Adolescent Medicine, Gender Diversity Center at ManilaMed discussed the unique challenges faced by adolescents. He described adolescents as an "ibang species" with distinct languages, behaviors, and mindsets. He stressed the importance of understanding and adapting to these rapid changes during adolescence: “We really need to more actively educate the teens as adults, parents, educators, healthcare providers, and media practitioners.”
Dr. Dumlao also highlighted the crucial role of the media in shaping public perceptions and disseminating accurate information, “Media is important because they set the tone of what's the right information. Media must be comfortable communicating with teens and know how to respond.
Dr. Rosalyn Panao, Medical Officer IV at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital's Comprehensive Family Planning Center, underscored the need for family planning services tailored to individual needs, considering sex, SOGIESC (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics), socio-economic status, culture, and beliefs. She noted that, “Wala po tayong Family Planning method na 100% ang effectivity pero lahat ng ito ay nakakatulong para mapigilan ang pagbubuntis at maging sa sexually transmitted infections.” Dr. Panao also emphasized the importance of proper counseling for clients to ensure they receive accurate and personalized information.
Doc. Jeepy Perez, Vice President of The FORUM, highlighted the importance of SRHR throughout every life stage. He argued that, “Nilista lang ang elemento o method para sa RPRH pero siya ba ang kailangan ng tao sa panganganak o sa kanilang human development.” He further stressed that, “Ang family planning ay dapat nakatutok sa development and human rights hindi siya isang programa lang. Dapat ito ay nakasentro sa tao, ang tawag doon ay people-centered.”
Dr. Perez advocated for SRHR policies that are inclusive and consider marginalized groups such as PWDs, LGBTQIA+ individuals, men, senior citizens, and others to prevent discrimination in accessing RPRH services. He also called for integrating mental health into SRHR programs, recognizing the interconnectedness of these issues with other social concerns.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Perez acknowledged the critical role of all stakeholders, especially the media, in spreading accurate information about SRHR. This effort is essential in dispelling misconceptions and increasing public awareness of these issues. With a reported 35.13% increase in live births among girls under 15 years old from 2021 to 2022, and the rising number of HIV and AIDS cases among youth, there is an urgent need for the immediate passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill. Continued advocacy and awareness about HIV and AIDS are also crucial.
The media, alongside advocates, people, and communities, play a significant role in promoting comprehensive, inclusive, and accessible SRHR for all. This collaborative effort is vital to ensuring that every individual has the right to informed choices and access to essential health services.
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