The Department of Health emphasized the importance of family planning and reproductive health.
Health Usec. Maria Rosario Vergeire said that good family planning and reproductive health will help Filipinos adapt to the current circumstances as well as prepare families for the future.
“Ang pagbubuntis po na hindi planado ay mas mahirap para sa sinumang mag-asawa lalo na sa panahon ngayon na wala tayong kasiguruhan kung hanggang kailan natin haharapin ang panganib na dulot ng virus,” she said. “Tandaan natin, kapag planado, laging sigurado.”
Vergeire said the public may access family planning services by reaching out to their dedicated barangay health workers and barangay population volunteers.
Barangay health emergency response teams (BHERTs) are also on call to address urgent situations such as emergency deliveries of pregnancies at home.
Usap Tayo sa Family Planning, a program by the National Committee on Population and Development provides an alternative way for the public to reach out for consultation or assistance through their Facebook page and the Popcom’s helpline via 0961-743-2337 and 0927-299-8764.
The Healthy Pilipinas website also lists additional facilities apart from the health centers that provide family planning services.
These facilities and health centers provide access to contraceptives, such as condoms and birth control pills, which help prevent unintended pregnancies when used consistently. Other available methods include implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), and injectables that provide longer-term protection, but are still reversible. – DOH release
