Ang Pamilyang Planado, Panalo: Isabela de Basilan’s Efforts in Family Planning
News | by Krizzia Esperanza
In the Happy City of Isabela de Basilan, the local government is making family planning more accessible, ensuring families can make informed decisions for a better future. The City Population Management and Development Office, under City Population Officer Jesielyn Puno, has been conducting Family Development Sessions using the Usapan Module Series and Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) approach.
Despite the challenges of rough roads and cultural hesitations about reproductive health and family planning, the team has reached the far-flung barangays of Diki, Masula, Tabiawan, Maligue, and Kapayawan from January 16 to 30, 2025. Many women in these areas had limited knowledge about birth spacing due to misconceptions and misinformation.
These discussions, called Usapang Maginoo, Usapang Kontento Na, and Usapang Pwede Pa, along with RPFP, have helped parents and relatives understand family planning and responsible parenthood better.
The city government holds these sessions every month, aiming to increase the number of family planning acceptors or modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) beyond the national standard of 30% and reduce unplanned pregnancies, especially among adolescents. With continued efforts and partnerships with the Zuellig Family Foundation and The Challenge Initiative, Isabela de Basilan is steadily improving its family planning programs as part of its broader efforts towards achieving Universal Health Care.
