Family Planning through the Lens of the Filipino Youth: Overheard at the 3rd National Conference on Family Planning

November 30, 2024 - Quezon City. Understanding a country’s demography sustains its ability to progress and develop. Family planning requires multisectoral collaboration and directs an intergenerational goal for which the youth play a critical role.

The 2024 National Conference on Family Planning, held November 20-21 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Pasig City, had almost 600 participants. The theme, “Family Planning and Population & Development: Innovate, Collaborate, and Accelerate Now! "aimed to strengthen the implementation of the Universal Health Care Act and the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of the Philippines.

Leaders from government agencies and private sectors, policymakers, program implementers, healthcare and community service providers, and youth groups nationwide converged in the forums and discussions involving research studies, methodologies, and recommendations to improve existing policies and resolve arising issues. With over 17 sessions and 50 presentations, the studies emphasized that matters in a growing population can arise from miseducation, poor healthcare accessibility, and gender inequality.

In her welcome message, Dr. Corazon M. Raymundo, President of The Forum for Family Planning and Development, stated, “Family planning plays a critical intergenerational role by improving health, promoting gender equality, and environmental sustainability. It reduces poverty, enhances maternal and child health, and allows families to invest more in education, creating a skilled and empowered future workforce.”

In his keynote address, Dr. Teodoro J. Herbosa, the Department of Health Secretary, said, “Overpopulation encompasses a wide range of societal issues that hamper our development as a nation.” The Department of Health highlighted that, given the Philippine context as a conservative country with an archipelagic nature, the development of family planning programs poses a challenge. Geographical barriers delay the delivery of programs and healthcare services intended for Indigenous people, rural areas, and financially challenged communities.

In addition, Dr. Herbosa pointed out that recent statistics have shown a decline in the fertility rate of the Philippines; however, adolescent pregnancy rates in the country remain high. An upward trend in adolescent pregnancy puts the lives of young Filipinos and their children at more health risks, jeopardizing their opportunity for a better life.

In response to these challenges, it was recommended by Mr. Karol Mark Yee, Executive Director of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, through his study that bridging education gaps would be vital in spreading awareness and combating misinformation. This could be done by incorporating comprehensive sexual education early in the elementary-level curriculum. He added that teachers must use actual terminologies and provide information appropriate to the student’s stage of cognitive development and understanding to reduce the frequency of sex, delay sex, and use

of contraceptives and condoms.

With the advent of social media, it is fitting to maximize these platforms to spread factual information and programs regarding sexuality and reproductive health. When family planning and sexual education have more positive representations digitally, it would be easier to access information, options, and services. Also, this helps to appreciate gender and sexual diversity, reduce sexual abuse and intimate partner violence, and promote healthy relationships.

Grasping the principles of family planning and the implications of having children at an early age, would not only prevent adolescent pregnancy but also allow teenagers to be well-versed in their bodies, human sexuality, and relationships, helping them make healthy decisions for themselves.

Mr. Kevin de Vera, Director of Programs and Advocacy at The Forum for Family Planning and Development, specified through his synthesis, the immediate call for action on empowering women and the youth, prioritizing early childhood interventions and increasing educational quality and access to development opportunities. He concluded his synthesis by emphasizing this year’s NCFP theme, “Sana ang Family Planning at Population and Development patuloy and pag-innovate,pag-collaborate, at pag-accelerate ngayon na po.”

As part of the young population group facing a challenge amidst unplanned and early pregnancy, awareness and education become our tools for living a prosperous and more empowered life. Family planning through the lens of Filipino youth signifies a dynamic relationship between culture, education, empowerment, and societal transformation. Filipino youth need to be provided with comprehensive and inclusive sexual health education and reproductive rights, creating more enlightened and proactive individuals. This will not only address the increase in adolescent pregnancy rates but also help achieve societal goals, such as gender equality, economic stability, and sustainable population growth.

Panalo ang kabataang Pilipino sa pamilyang planado. ________________________________________________________________

Christina de Guzman is a registered nurse, and a youth scholar to the 3rd NCFP.

Vlog: A walk through the 2-day 3rd NCFP