PopCom 12 intensifies male involvement on reproductive health advocacy

COTABATO CITY - As part of its strategy in strengthening male involvement and participation in Reproductive health advocacy, the Commission on Population and Development XII (PopCom 12) conducted a Training on Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon Sa Pamilya (KATROPA), last August 28-29, 2019 at POPCOM XII Conference Room, Cotabato City.

The two-day training was enthusiastically participated by 29 Men in Uniform, particularly from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Military personnel assigned in Cotabato City.

The KATROPA activity aims to increase awareness of men on matters about sexual and reproductive health and encourage them to participate in the advocacy, such as in decision-making processes in planning their own families.

POPCOM XII Regional Director Engr. Edwin Mateo P. Quijano, in his opening message, stressed that talks about Reproductive health and Family Planning is not solely exclusive for women. In fact, it encourages husbands and men, in general, to get involved and take a proactive role in the advocacy activities pertaining to Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health.

Aside from the discussion on Family Planning, POPCOM XII also discussed the session on responsibilities of men particularly the husbands, session on ways on maintaining a loving and nurturing relationship, the basics of gender and sexuality, Anti-Violence against Women and their Children (RA 9262), the twelve elements of Reproductive Health Law, and the session on STIs including HIV and AIDS.

During the conclusion of the activity, the Men in Uniform committed to help on disseminating the proper information on Reproductive Health, and be gender-sensitive as well to their family, at their workplaces and in their respective communities.

With these newly certified KATROPA, POPCOM XII hopes that more men will be involved and engaged on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program in SOCCSKSARGEN region.