DIPOLOG CITY, Aug. 28 (PIA) – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) – Zamboange del Norte, in coordination with the Department of Health (DOH), presented their plans and initiatives in accordance with Family Planning Month, Breastfeeding Month, and National Hospital Week earlier today, at Mibang Hotel, this city.
The event discussed the importance of safety guidelines when it comes to family planning; namely, responsible parenting, birth spacing, respect for life, and informed choice and voluntarism. These four safety guidelines, the PHO explained, all reduce the risk of unsafe abortions, and decrease maternal mortality rates.
The PHO also expressed its goal of reducing the stigma surrounding contraceptives and sex education in the hopes of lessening, if not completely preventing, the risks and consequences of teenage pregnancy.
Ms. Elena Daarol, PHO’s family planning coordinator, also informed the attendees that the public can avail free vasectomies and bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) as permanent contraceptive options through their office’s referral. However, she also highlighted that this option is only available for mothers with four or more children.
Free pills, condoms, as well as other contraceptive methods are also available at local rural health units in accordance with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ Healthcare For All agenda.
During the event, Republic Act 7600 or the Room-ing and Breastfeeding Act was also discussed along with the benefits of breast milk compared to formula and/or bottlefeeding. PHO also seeks to eradicate the misconception of bottle feeding being a better alternative, explaining that breast milk covers all of the baby’s needs for the first 6 months and has more nutrition compared to formula.
Ms. Rosita Gonzales, nutritionist and dietician of PHO-ZN, revealed the existence of a breastfeeding support group in accordance with their breastfeeding advocacy.
August 1 was declared National Family Planning Day back in 1994 through Proclamation No. 429 and the entire month was later declared National Breastfeeding Month in 2009 through Republic Act 10028 with the goal of raising public awareness regarding the importance of breastfeeding. (RVC/EDT/PJF/PIA9-Zamboanga del Norte)
