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MANILA, Philippines – Plenty of myths surround reproductive health in the Philippines, which is why the Commission on Population and Development (Popcom) and healthcare company Bayer Philippines Inc. have partnered for World Contraception Day 2022 to debunk these misconceptions.
With the theme of “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning,” World Contraception Day takes place yearly on September 26 to provide women with access to scientific and non-judgemental information about contraception methods, said Popcom and Bayer Philippines Inc. in a joint statement.
Bayer Philippines Inc. managing Director Angel-Michael Evangelista shared in a joint statement with Popcom that their company has ongoing online and offline programs that advocate for women’s health.
“Our existing Ask Mara chatbot on Facebook helps women get in touch with teleconsultation services through our tie-up with telehealth provider HealthNow to provide vouchers for consultation with OB-GYNs and help locate nearby drug stores. We also partner with agencies like Popcom to achieve the vision of a world where every pregnancy is wanted,” said Evangelista.
Evangelista added that Bayer Philippines Inc. has also extended farmers’ awareness about reproductive health and family planning through the flagship program “Bayer Kubo,” which will run in Cabanbanan, Pangasinan, and Dolores, Quezon, in 2022.
READ: PH’s restrictive abortion laws lead to unsafe abortion, deaths
The Philippines’ use of contraception
Popcom said that according to their latest data, the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law has helped increase the number of people availing of family planning services during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s time.
According to a statement from Popcom, the breakdown of the latest data regarding the contraceptives used by Filipinos are as follows:
- 3.2 million women use contraceptive pills
- 474,000 women use implants
- 1.6 million women use injectables
- 400,00 men use condoms
“Popcom sees more Filipinos relying on the benefits of modern contraception methods. This is evidenced by the country’s estimated total fertility rate consistently declining in the past two decades, and in 2021 was recorded at 1.8 children per family or couple,” explained the agency’s officer-in-charge Executive Director Lolito R. Tacardon.
However, Popcom said there is still a long way to go to dispel myths such as contraceptives causing health problems or infertility.
“Encouraging a nation where every pregnancy is planned, Popcom places a premium on correct information, proper education and open communication in actively promoting the benefits of family planning and contraceptives,” said Tacardon.