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The 11th Rafael M. Salas Cup, hosted by The Forum for Family Planning and Development, was held on November 7, 2018, at Camp Aguinaldo with the inspiring theme, “Equality, Empowering, Delivering for Women.” This annual charity golf tournament brought together advocates, partners, and supporters in a united effort to raise funds for programs benefiting women and girls. More than just a sporting event, the Salas Cup served as a powerful platform to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, honoring the legacy of Rafael M. Salas, a global champion of population and development. Proceeds from the event supported initiatives aimed at improving the health, rights, and well-being of women and young girls across the Philippines.

Labin-anim na mga Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairpersons mula sa iba’t-bang munisipyo ng Palawan ang sumailalim sa isang pagsasananay patungkol sa pagbuo ng Youth Development Plan na magtataguyod sa kapakanan ng mga kabataan sa lalawigan. Ang naturang gawain na may titulong “LGU in the Frontline: A Call for Youth Involvement and Participation” ay isinagawa noong ika- 28 hanggang ika-29 ng Hulyo taong kasalukuyan sa Ai World Resort, Lungsod ng Puerto Princesa. Ito ay sa pangunguna ng isang non- government organization (NGO) na The Forum for Family Planning and Development (The FFPD) Inc katuwang ang Provincial Health Office (PHO) at ilang NGOs sa lalawigan. Ayon kay G. Kevin De Vera, Project Manager ng The FFPD Inc, layunin ng gawaing ito na mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga opisyales ng SK sa Palawan sa pagbuo ng kanilang plano lalo’t higit sa usaping pangkalusugan. Samantala, Dumalo sa pagsasanay si Hon.Anyatika Rodriguez, ang bagong halal na SK Federation President sa Palawan at kasalukuyang umuupo bilang kinatawan ng Sangguniang Kabataan sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Kaugnay nito, naanyayahan upang magbahagi ng paksa patungkol sa Reproductive Health Situation ng Palawan si Dr. Mary Ann H. Navarro, officer-in- charge ng Provincial Health Office (PHO). Kanyang ipinaalam sa mga dumalong SK Chairman ang kasalukuyang estado ng lalawigan sa aspeto ng kalusugang-pangreproduktibo (reproductive health) lalo’t higit ang usaping angkop para sa mga kabataan sa kasalukuyang panahon katulad ng teenage pregnancy, maternal health, Human Immuno Virus (HIV) maging ang Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Ayon naman kay Gng. Odessa Del Mundo, Youth Development Officer mula sa Provincial Social Welfare Development Office (PSWDO), magandang pagkakataon ang naturang aktibidad upang mabigyan ng sapat na pagsasanay ang mga bagong halal na opisyales ng Sangguniang Kabataan sa pagganap ng kanilang tungkulin. Ibinihagi rin nito sa mga dumalong partisipante ang oryentasyon patungkol sa “Comprehensive Barangay Development Plan” na nakaayon naman sa National Youth Commission (NYC) na magiging batayan ng mga ito sa mga isasakatuparang mga programa at proyekto sa kanilang lugar. Tinalakay rin sa naturang aktibidad ang paksa sa pagpapatupad ng Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) o RPRH Law at ang mga isinasakatuparang mga programa sa ilalim ng naturang batas. Ang talakayan ay pinangunahan ni Gng. Chi L. Vallido, Director for Programs and Advocacy ng The FFPD Inc. Dagdag pa rito, Nagkaroon din ng pagkakataon upang kamustahin ang usaping hinggil sa Orientation on Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE). Chi Vallido of The Forum discussing the RPRH Law Ayon naman kay Dr. Louie Ocampo, Country Director ng United Nations (UN) Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) sa bansa, umaabot sa “33 new HIV cases diagnosed everyday in the Philippines”. Ito umano ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng Pilipinas patungkol sa sakit na HIV at AIDS na lubhang nakababahala sa otoridad-pangkalusugan. Dr. Lui Ocampo sharing about the state of HIV/AIDS Sa pagtatapos ng naturang pagsasanay bumuo ang mga ito ng isang plano kung saan nakatuon sa mga programa at proyekto na magtataguyod ng kalusugan ng mga kabataan sa kanilang mga lugar. Nagpaabot rin ang mga ito ng pasasalamat dahil sa pagkakataong ipinagkaloob sa mga ito upang pagtuunan ng pansin ang mga suliraning kinakaharap ng mga kabataang Palaweno.

Oct 9, 2018 5:37 PM PHT Frank Cimatu (rappler) PALAWAN, Philippines – It’s not enough that teachers teach about the birds and the bees, they should also know how to react when their students ask about birds laying eggs and where to go when the bee stings. A health nongovernmental organization is giving workshops to teachers who are handling sexuality education in schools to prepare them for their students' street-smart queries and for counseling. "It’s not enough to know about the different parts of the reproductive systems," said Kevin de Vera, the program associate for training and research of the Forum for Family Planning and Development Incorporated. "You should also be prepared not to be shocked by the questions being raised by your students," De Vera added. De Vera said that they have compiled about 100 frequently-asked questions on sexuality from students they counseled in Cebu, Albay, and Benguet and some of them can be shocking. "They would ask you if it’s okay to have sex every day and having sex during menstruation," he said. "They might laugh and you would think that they’re making fun of you but laughter is their way of putting off stress," De Vera told about 60 high school teachers from El Nido and Taytay towns. Forum has already given the 3-day training entitled "Bridging gaps in teaching reproductive health" in Cebu City, Albay, Ifugao, and Benguet. (READ:  Sex education in PH schools still lacking – UNFPA ) Here in El Nido, many of the teachers who attended are unmarried fresh graduates and pious. “They are hesitant to teach sexuality and reproductive health,” said Marybeth Balino, the division adolescent reproductive health coordinator of Department of Education here. “We have this Filipino attitude that this is bastos (lewd),” she said. Interestingly, the most popular lecture in the workshop is about the Bible and reproductive health teaching. “You should not impose your beliefs on them,” said Chi Vallido, Forum’s director for programs and advocacy. Vallido said that sexuality education should be evidence-based for the students to be able to make an informed choice. She said that many of the teachers have only a vague idea about Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012 which prompted Department of Education Secretary Leonor Briones to craft last July the memorandum on the policy of guidelines on the implementation of the comprehensive sexuality education. The Young Adults Fertility Survey in 2014 showed that 60% of the Filipino youth get their knowledge about sex from their barkada or close friends and less than 10% discuss sex in their homes. Twenty-one percent of the youth do not discuss sex with anyone. Another popular topic in the workshop is the different family planning methods. The teachers were made to prepare a module on the FP methods and act it out during the workshop. El Nido Mayor Nieves Cabunalda Rosento said that teen pregnancy is among the highest in her town. (READ:  Health experts push for PH policy on teenage pregnancy ) Rosento said that many of their villages are remote islands and many of the high school students live in boarding houses where they are vulnerable to situations that lead to pregnancy. She said the students they live away from their homes and their teachers have a crucial role in preventing teenage pregnancy. The mayor said that her campaign is to keep students in school and help bring back the out-of-school youth to schools. – Rappler.com Original story can be found here:  https://www.rappler.com/nation/213893-teachers-sex-education-workshop-october-2018?fbclid=IwAR0mbijNDwk-Gn93ZSYqDR-jzR18AkB_M6uIntF9mMHvS9j9z34jz2uc9Dk

September 27, 2018 - Quezon City As a youth leader and advocate for sexual and reproductive health and rights, witnessing the Philippines’ first celebration of World Contraception Day in 2018 was a milestone I’ll never forget. Held on September 26 at the University of the Philippines Asian Center in Diliman, Quezon City, the event brought together experts, advocates, policymakers, and fellow young leaders to open up a much-needed dialogue on contraception, reproductive health, and the power of informed choices. The Forum delegates/co-convenors (L-R Kevin de Vera, Chi Vallido, Ben de Leon, Niq Maravillas) For many of us in the youth sector, this celebration was not just symbolic—it was a statement. It signaled our collective push to break the silence surrounding contraception, challenge misconceptions, and demand a future where reproductive health is a right, not a privilege. The theme for the day was clear: every individual, especially young people, should have the knowledge and means to make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. One of the most powerful takeaways from the forum was the emphasis on male responsibility in family planning. Often, the conversation around contraception is seen as a woman’s issue. But during the event, it was made clear that true reproductive justice requires the active participation of all genders. Amina Evangelista Swanepoel of Roots of Health shared heartbreaking stories of women who were pressured to remove their contraceptive implants because of their partners' objections. It reminded me that while access to contraception is essential, shifting mindsets—especially among men—is just as critical. Another pressing issue discussed was adolescent pregnancy, a crisis that continues to affect thousands of Filipino youth. Dr. Angela Aguilar of the Philippine Society for Reproductive Medicine emphasized the health risks of unintended pregnancies and called for better access to contraception and accurate, age-appropriate information. As someone who works closely with young people, I’ve seen how the lack of access to reproductive health services and education can limit a young person’s dreams. This is why events like WCD are so important, they give us the platform to advocate for solutions grounded in evidence and compassion. The call for comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) echoed loudly in the forum. While the Department of Education had already issued guidelines for integrating CSE in schools, the reality on the ground remains patchy at best. Many students still lack access to honest and inclusive information about their bodies, consent, relationships, and reproductive health. As young advocates, we are pushing for CSE that goes beyond biology to teach values of respect, equality, and informed choice. This historic event was made possible through the collaboration of various organizations, including the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), Bayer Philippines, Roots of Health, and several local governments and NGOs. Together, we shared a common goal: to empower people, especially the youth, to take control of their reproductive lives. Looking back, the first World Contraception Day in the Philippines was more than just a commemoration—it was the beginning of a movement. It validated the struggles and hopes of many young people across the country who believe that we deserve better access to reproductive health services and the right to decide freely and responsibly on matters concerning our bodies. As youth leaders, we carry this momentum forward, continuing to speak out, educate, and fight for a future where every pregnancy is wanted, and every choice is respected.

By AYA TANTIANGCO, GMA News Published September 26, 2018 3:53pm The role of men in family planning took the spotlight at the 1st World Contraception Day Philippines, held September 26, Wednesday. Lydio Espanol Jr. of the Commission on Population shared alarming statistics pointing to the absence of men in the conversation about contraception. Data shows that the rate of use of contraceptives used by males fall way below the rate of use of contraceptives used by females like pills and IUDs. “Men place the burden of responsibility for family planning solely on their partners,” Espanol said. Amina Evangelista Swanepoel of Roots of Health seconded the statement during the panel discussion, where she expanded on the need to address the harmful effects of macho culture, especially on women. Roots of Health is non-governmental organization based in Palawan that go to communities to increases reproductive health awareness and provide people access to contraceptives. “I really believe it boils down to men being uncomfortable with women having control over their own bodies,” Swanepoel said. Swanepoel’s presentation for the forum centered on the story of “Annabelle” and the factors that push her towards dealing with an unwanted pregnancy. In addition to health centers withholding information from her because she is a minor, Annabelle also has to deal with her boyfriend’s opinion about contraceptives. According to Swanepoel, teenagers like Annabelle and even older, married women frequently deal with partners who explicitly prohibit them from using contraceptives in the mistaken belief that it will lead to infidelity. “Partners would often say that they don’t want their wives or their girlfriends to be on contraception because then she could cheat on him,” Swanepoel said. Swanepoel said that one of the first areas that Roots of Health went to was a fishing community. The men would be out at sea for five to six days and they said of their wives, “Kung hindi daw sila matakot na mabuntis, they’ll play around.” Although there are existing programs carried out by various government agencies like Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya (KATROPA) and Mr. GAD that targets men and educates them about their part in effective family planning, the advocates at the forum believe that supporters of the RH Law must remain vigilant and fight for the proper implementation of its provisions. — LA, GMA News Original story can be found here:  http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/healthandwellness/669168/macho-culture-impedes-efficient-implementation-of-rh-law-advocates/story/

• FIGHTING THE HIV EPIDEMIC. Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron (2nd from right) and UNAIDS Philippines Director Lui Ocampo (right). Beside them is Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray. Photo by Mau Victa 'Ten years ago, we just had one case here. Now we have 198 enrolled in our treatment hub and 139 come from Puerto Princesa,' says Regina Villapa, city coordinator on HIV-AIDS PUERTO PRINCESA, Philippines – Puerto Princesa has teamed up with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) to arrest the rising HIV cases in the city. Mayor Lucilo Bayron signed the Paris Declaration to end the AIDS epidemic on Monday, September 17, committing to end the epidemic in his city by 2030. “Let us be aggressive in our campaign to end this epidemic. We must fight this stigma.  Ang Puerto Princesa mataas ang HIV huwag tayong pumunta diyan  (The city has a high HIV prevalence, let us not go there),” Bayron said. “Ten years ago, we just had one case here,” said Regina Villapa, city coordinator on HIV-AIDS. “Now we have 198 enrolled in our treatment hub and 139 come from Puerto Princesa,” she added. Cumulatively, there were more than 280 cases in the city and most of them occurred in the past 5 years. Most of the cases, like those in the rest of the country, are among the men who have sex with men and the transgenders. Palawan has the highest cases of HIV infection in the Mimaropa region. She said that they already had 40 deaths from complications due to HIV in the province. And the transmission case so far in 2018 is higher than last year. • HIV/AIDS AWARENESS PROGRAM SPOKESPERSON.Chi Vallido of Forum for Population and Development pins a Purple Ribbon Partner on Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray, an HIV/AIDS program spokesperson.Photo by Mau Victa   Targets UNAIDS Philippines Director Lui Ocampo, who was born in the province, said that the project with Puerto Princesa seeks to fast-track the elimination of AIDS through the set of commitments known as the 90-90-90 targets. Explaining the targets, Ocampo explained that "90% of those living with HIV should know their status" but in the Philippines, "only 67% do." “Ninety percent diagnosed with HIV should be undergoing anti-retroviral treatment. Currently, only 35% of those diagnosed in the country are undergoing ARV. This is caused by the stigma and discrimination caused by having it and the lack of available health facilities with ARV treatment,” Ocampo said. “And 90% of those undergoing ARV should have suppressed viral loads,” he added. Ocampo said that the best strategy for Puerto Princesa is to have more community-based HIV screening. “If they are ashamed or stigmatized, the community should come to them,” he said. He also said the program also needs sustained funding and also strong political will to demand for good results. Together with Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray, who was also present to witness the signing, Ocampo debunked the myth that tourism has contributed to the the high HIV infection in the city. “That’s a misconception. Most of the transmission is among the local,’ said Ocampo. “The foreign tourists are more careful and they most often use condoms.” “Most of the cases are among the youth in the 15 to 24 age bracket,” he said. Gray, for her part, said: “Let us stop putting labels. Let us not condemn the youth. Instead, we should teach them to protect themselves." “This is not just the LGBT problem. It affects all of us. We should on education and from there, once we understand the problem, we can support each other and break the stigma,” she added. – Rappler.com . Original story can be found here:  https://www.rappler.com//science-nature/life-health/212442-puerto-princesa-palawan-commits-end-hiv-epidemic-2030

March 24, 2018 - El Nido, Palawan  - It’s easy to fall in love with El Nido. With its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone cliffs, and world-famous islands, the place feels like paradise. But behind the breathtaking beauty lies a reality that many don't see, a growing number of teenage pregnancies and rising HIV infections silently threatening the future of our youth. On March 23–24, 2018, we gathered, not as tourists, but as young people, leaders, and advocates determined to change the narrative. Over 100 youth leaders from El Nido came together for the Youth Congress with the theme “Kabataan Palakasin, Pamumuno Pagpagtibayin, Hinaharap ay Pagyamanin.”  It was more than just a gathering—it was a movement. A movement to claim our right to lead, to be heard, and to take part in shaping a healthier and more empowered future for ourselves and for the next generation. The heart of our discussions was Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). With the support of The Forum for Family Planning and Development, led by Ms. Chi Laigo-Vallido, we were given a comprehensive orientation on the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law. We learned about our rights, our responsibilities, and the life-saving information that could protect us from unplanned pregnancies, gender-based violence, and HIV and AIDS. We talked openly about SOGIE (Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, and Expression), consent, and the importance of inclusive and youth-friendly health services. It was eye-opening—and for many, life-changing. Mayor Rosento (Left-side) The municipal mayor, Hon. Nieves C. Rosento, stood with young people of El Nido. “You are not just the future of El Nido,” she said. “You are the present. Help us craft a community where young people are safe, healthy, and empowered.” She urged us to value education, participate in local solutions, and never stop learning. Her words were not just encouragement, they were a call to action. While we were deep in plenary discussions, a separate workshop titled “Bridging the Gaps in Teaching Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH)”  was held for 20 dedicated educators. Teachers play a crucial role in shaping how young people understand their bodies, relationships, and health—and seeing their commitment to learn with us gave me hope. The congress ended not with applause, but with commitment. "We, the youth of El Nido, pledged to stand at the forefront of the campaign to stop HIV and end teenage pregnancy. We are no longer just bystanders—we are advocates, peer educators, and community builders." The beaches of El Nido will always be beautiful, but imagine how much more beautiful our community could be if our young people were healthy, empowered, and supported. That’s the El Nido we’re fighting for. And we’re just getting started.

October 15, 2017 For Immediate Release: Former President Fidel V. Ramos and the Forum for Family Planning & Development Inc. will host the 10th Rafael M. Salas Golf Cup on November 23, Thursday at the Camp Aguinaldo Golf Club. With the theme “Nurturing Mother Earth, Women and Girls”, this year’s staging will be participated by at least 100 avid golfers who will play to support the annual event’s cause. The tournament is open to all amateur golfers for an entry fee of P5,000 that includes a donation to this noble cause, green fee, special edition Salas golf giveaways, door prize, buffet lunch during and raffle. Participants are also entitled to win the hole-in-one prize at stake – a Ducati Scrambler Sixty2. Registration opens at 6:00am. Sequential tee-off is from 6:00 to 9:00 am.  The ceremonial tee-off at 7:30am shall be led by Former President Ramos himself. Named in his honor, Mr. Salas is remembered as a patriot par excellence who dedicated himself to serving his people in various government posts notably, Executive Secretary of the late President Ferdinand Marcos.  In the international community, he served as the first Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with the rank of Undersecretary-General and is known as “Mr. Population”. The event's generous major sponsors include DKT Philippines, San Miguel Corporation, PAGCOR, Filinvest Development Corporation, Marubeni Philippines, Group Management Development Inc., Team Energy, Lopez Group, Northstar Trasport Facilities Inc, Asia United Bank, Alpha One (Benedicto Steel), PCSO, SGV, San Roque Power Corporation, SSS, Land Bank, DBP, Meralco, Pilipinas Shell, Trans Asia, Quickminds, Philippine Resources Savings Bank, Stradcom, Grand Videoke, Business Mirror, among others. For ticket reservation or sponsorship, please call Golf Marketing Central at 6970520, 0917.8400119 or email golfcentral.ph@gmail.com .

Sep 26, 2017 9:00 AM PHT Frank Cimatu (rappler) The Manila-based Forum for Family Planning and Development has been holding workshops on reproductive health and rights in Albay province for the past 3 years LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – Coming out as gay is hard enough, but coming out as gay when you’re deaf too is a double whammy. Alex, who is from Legazpi City, said coming out as gay was actually easy. Using Filipino sign language, he said that he was glad to have been easily accepted by his deaf friends. “Coming out to the world is harder. Being deaf, we are already discriminated and hurt,” he signed. The Manila-based Forum for Family Planning and Development has been holding workshops in Albay province for the past 3 years. Chi Vallido, campaigns officer of Forum, said they have serviced more than 100 deaf from the province in 5 reproductive health and rights workshops here in Legazpi City, Tabaco City, and Ligao. Vallido said that even in their first workshop, they saw the need to involve the police because the deaf had been reporting cases of sexual harassment and molestation to them. “Even in the middle of the workshops, they had been telling their traumatic stories at the same time that the interpreter had to tell them to shut up,” Vallido said. Kevin de Vera, the Forum adolescent RH coordinator, said that the deaf thought it natural that they would be harassed, that when they learned about their rights, they were furious. According to the defunct Philippine Deaf Resource Center, one out of 3 deaf women in the country experienced harassment and rape, and half of the cases happened in their own home. The police had been joining the Forum in their RH workshops since, De Vera said. They were the ones lecturing the deaf about their rights and how they can report abuses. The police and the Albay Deaf Society have been coordinating with each other. Vallido said that to facilitate communication between the two, one of the criminology schools in Albay has required its students to learn Filipino sign language. During the recent seminar in Legazpi City, they expected only 35 deaf students, but 60 came to attend. Ten criminology students also joined the workshop. The deaf tested these “hearing students” if they knew the basic reproductive health words and concepts and if they could understand what they were reporting. They gave a wave when the hearing students responded correctly. Sabina “Ruffa” Torregoza, a transgender and health worker, also taught them how to combat discrimination against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. –  Rappler.com https://www.rappler.com/philippines/183330-deaf-albay-voice-sexual-rights/

December 5, 2016. Cebu City is the Capital of one of the biggest provinces in the country. It has 26 night high schools run by the government and students here have lesser access to programs that are often given to regular class hours such as special seminars on Reproductive Health. Classes in the night high schools start at 5PM until 9PM during Mondays-Fridays and 8AM-4PM on Saturdays. Night High School starts at 5:00 pm and ends late in the evening at around 9:00 or 10:00 pm. The Forum, with the support of Family Planning 2020 (FP2020), and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division, implemented a special program, the “Demand RH: Addressing the Reproductive Health Needs of Night High School Students of Cebu City”. The project helps to increase awareness about the benefits of Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law and mainstream Adolescent Reproductive Health Rights to poorest and more vulnerable groups such as the Night High School students. After 17 years of advocacy and patient campaigning, the Philippines finally passed its Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH Law). But there is a need to help enable people to exercise their RH rights particularly our young people.  Teen pregnancies in the country is highest in the South East Asia Region with more than 20 teen mothers giving birth every hour.  But even with the poor RH status of adolescents, it was among the most challenged issue such that the Supreme Court, when the RH law was challenged in court, required parental consent for RH services among adolescents. Through better information, policies and programs, the project aims to improve the RH situation of Nigh High School students by working with the Department of Education, the schools, local government of Cebu, civil society organizations, student councils and the communities. Under the project, 10 Adolescent Reproductive Health Forum were conducted. The schools were: Abellana Night High School, Punta Princesa Night High School, Zapatera Night High School, Mambaling Night High School, Tisa Night High School, Inayawan Night High School, Don Sergion Osmeña Night High School, Ramon Duterte Night High School, Pardo Night High School and Tejero Night High School. ARH forum in one of the biggest Night High Schools in Cebu City

May 26, 2016 - Legazpi City. In  partnership with the Albay Association of the Deaf (AAD), with the support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, The Forum held series of trainings, “Fulfilling the Promise of RPRH Law: Training on Reproductive Health and the RPRH Law for the Deaf”, over the summer of 2016. The trainings were held at Legazpi City, Ligao City, and Tabaco City. The Training for the Deaf helped the members of AAD and other deaf in Albay to know their reproductive health and RH rights under the RA 10354 (RPRH Law). There was a discussion on Adolescent Reproductive Health, Sexuality Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression, and orientation on RPRH Law and HIV/AIDS. The RPRH Law has 12 elements – along mental health and elimination of gender-based violence, the training was designed to integrate the topics: Anti Violence against Women and Children (Anti VAWC) and Anti-Sexual Harassment Law, and how to report related cases. Equally important, the training allowed the deaf community in Albay to get closer to the Provincial PNP as they rendered the topic regarding Sexual Harassment and Violence against Women and Children. The activities served as a venue for the deaf to openly discuss issues on RH, anti VAWC and anti-sexual harassment. For some, this was an opportunity to learn while for the others, the discussion allowed them to share their lived experiences and stories of other deaf they know. The trainings held made a realization to the PNP that there is really a gap in addressing reports and cases filed by deaf individuals. The issues raised were: a deaf person is most often overlooked and discriminated when reporting a case, the deaf community finds it difficult to communicate with the authorities due to lack of trained interpreters in the barangay stations and in police stations, and there are very few opportunities for the deaf to know more about laws and their rights. The recommendations were, for the PNP to have a trained interpreter to help a deaf with filing reports or cases of abuses; for the PNP and the deaf community explore the use of visual arts in reporting like drawing or sketching; and for the Albay Association of the Deaf to help members file their complaints. The final activity was a planning workshop which enabled the deaf participants to identify the needs of their community and create a proposal to further promote sexuality and reproductive health and rights among their peers.