Popcom 7: Free Family Planning Services and Materials Available at the Barangays

The Commission on Population (POPCOM) 7 on Monday announced they will provide free access to all services and materials intended for family planning at the barangay health centers nationwide according to Popcom 7 information officer II Sheryl Mary V. Ygay over radio DYMR.

Ygay said this program is being adopted by the government after the approval of the Reproductive Health law with specific budget for all services and materials needed by the people. One of the problems faced now by the government is the unplanned pregnancies of teenagers, Ygay said.

Earlier this year there were two 9 year old females who were recorded as pregnant, one in Central Visayas and the other is in Luzon area, she added.

“Why this has happened, its because some of the youths are confident enough to adopt premarital sex without fear, and above all they have no knowledge regarding the bad consequencies they may face in the future”, Ygay said.

Ygay added that because of this problem, the government has adopted a program where every member of the family, from father, mother and their children could learn the process of availing the free services intended for them.

These services include lectures and materials all for free, to make every family member avail the government’s help anytime they want, according to Ygay.

The number one client of the government in this particular aspect are those who are listed as beneficiaries of the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program(4Ps), Ygay said.

She expalined that these families are required to attend their monthly meetings in their respective municipalities where lectures and seminars are provided by the barangay health workers.

During the said activity, every member is allowed to consult their problems especially if they want to avail the family planning materials.

Ygay said that the materials, ranging from vitamins, pills, condoms, and other related services are available at the barangay health center.

“This is the only way for the government to reach every family who wants better education to become successful on parenting,” she said.

Ygay said that bearing children more than enough of the parents’ income is not what a father and mother wants, because they know that they can not afford to send their children to school.

Ygay said the reason why there are unwanted pregnancy of wives is the lack of education about safe sexual intercourse.

“This is the reason why parents are required to attend their monthly meetings to know more about safe love making”, Ygay added.