MABALACAT CITY — The City Health Office has launched an educational campaign to address the growing concerns of teenage pregnancy and promote responsible family planning.
Made possible in collaboration with Rural Health Units (RHUs) and the Population, Gender and Development (PopGAD) Office, the campaign is aligned with the Department of Health’s (DOH) “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning” program, aimed at equipping sexually active teenagers with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
Registered nurses and RHU coordinators Larissa Gail T. Dizon and Camille Tabang served as guests on MCG CARES over UFM105.5 to discuss the city’s efforts in educating teenagers about the importance of family planning and the safe methods available to them.
Dizon expressed her gratitude to Mayor Crisostomo Garbo for his unwavering support in implementing this program, emphasizing the need for comprehensive education to empower teenagers to make responsible choices regarding their sexual health.
“Our goal is not to promote early sexual activity but to equip sexually active teenagers with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves and make informed decisions,” Dizon stated.
Tabang highlighted the range of safe and effective family planning methods available free of charge through the local government unit (LGU) which include injectables, implants, condoms, and counseling services, all of which are provided by the RHUs. She stressed the importance of utilizing these resources and encouraged teenagers to seek guidance from healthcare professionals without fear or hesitation.
In their discussion, both coordinators acknowledged the significance of support from barangay officials in ensuring the success of this program. They called upon the barangay officials to lend their full support and collaborate with the CHO in disseminating information and creating a supportive environment for teenagers seeking guidance on family planning.
“We need a collective effort from all stakeholders – the LGU, barangay officials, parents, and educators – to address this issue effectively,” remarked Dizon.
