PopCom 12, partners launch intensified population and family planning program

KIDAPAWAN CITY - The Commission on Population and Development XII (POPCOM) in partnership with Department of Health (DOH) and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and the provincial government of Cotabato jointly launched the Intensified National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP) through a kick-off at the provincial gymnasium in Barangay Amas.

Edwin Mateo P. Quijano, Popcom 12 regional director, said in a statement the event was in compliance to President Duterte’s directive during the March 4, 2019 cabinet meeting on the intensification of key strategies for the NPPFP.

He said the said program has the following objectives that need to be achieved by the year 2022: attainment of modern contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) of 65 percent, zeroing the Unmet need for Family Planning or reduced at the lowest level, and reach the demographic dividend through accelerated implementation of population management strategies to facilitate and complement other socio-economic interventions.

The kick-off was conducted by the Regional Project Management Team for NPPFP headed by the Regional Coordinator Ms. Judith G. Navarra, together with Director Quijano and POPCOM 12 Assistant Regional Director Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian.

Acting North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza, provincial Board Member Philbert Malaluan who chairs provincial board committee on health and sanitation and other provincial and city officials.

Mr. Ely Nebrija, representative of Dra. Eva C. Rabaya of the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) also graced the event.

The Population Division (POPDIV) of the Provincial Governor’s Office, media partners from DXND and Brigada News FM Kidapawan, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) and around 400 Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) of the 18 municipalities of Cotabato Province were also present for the event.

Before the kick-off program, about 1,891 BHWs were already oriented to facilitate the demand generation and referral services on Family Planning.

A total of 186 BHWs were also trained on interpersonal communication skills to ensure that they are fully equipped once the NPPFP Implementation kicks off.

“Together, we will make the North Cotabato the most progressive province in the entire country,” Director Quijano said in his remark.

Governor Mendoza, on the other hand, thanked and expressed support for POPCOM XII and all the people behind the project. Board Member Dalumpines and Cabaya also encouraged the BHWs to include men and father in Family Planning activities and hopefully achieve the target number of couples to be reached.

The project is expected to reach 41,000 couples and individuals of reproductive age through house to house visits and outreach, encouraging them to access FP services.

POPCOM XII tapped health service providers in nearest health facilities and CSOs to facilitate the provision of FP services.

POPCOM 12 ARD Garganian led the closing program and giving of certificate of appreciation and tokens to the stakeholders in attendance.