Strengthening Family Planning by Raising Community Awareness in Biñan City

Biñan City is proving that local government leadership, when paired with youth empowerment and data-driven strategies, can lead to measurable improvements in reproductive health. Once among the top 20 cities in the Calabarzon region for teenage pregnancies, Biñan has since emerged as a frontrunner in youth-focused family planning (FP) outreach, increasing its modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) from 71.3% in 2021 to 83.12% in 2024.

This progress did not happen overnight. Between 2016 and 2020, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD)-Calabarzon recorded 4,896 cases of teenage pregnancy in Biñan. In 2021 alone, there were 945 cases, with an Adolescent Birth Rate (ABR) of 47 per 1,000 girls aged 15 to 19—well above the national target of 30. These figures alarmed local leaders, prompting a full-scale response that combined service delivery improvements with strong demand generation.

 

Strategic Shift through Partnership

This urgent situation prompted Mayor Atty. Walfredo “Arman” Dimaguila Jr. and the local government to pursue a bolder, more integrated approach to reproductive health. A staunch advocate of youth development and a consistent champion for health equity, Mayor Dimaguila led the city in forming a partnership with the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) under The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines in 2021. Through a formal Memorandum of Understanding, Biñan established a City Leadership Team (CLT) composed of representatives from the City Population Office, Department of Health (DOH), CPD, and ZFF. The CLT broke down previously fragmented programming and created a coordinated structure for adolescent health planning and implementation.

A key part of Biñan’s approach was the deliberate combination of supply-side improvements with demand generation strategies. The city knew that simply offering services was not enough—people needed to understand and trust them. To create demand, Biñan mobilized community actors, trained peer educators, and conducted sustained information campaigns. This was particularly important for youth, whose needs are often overlooked or misunderstood in reproductive health programming.

Engaging the Youth as Partners

Recognizing young people as equal partners rather than passive recipients, Biñan prioritized their active involvement. Through partnerships with the Department of Education, school leaders, and parents, the city supported peer education, values formation, and comprehensive sexuality education. Atty. Nora Pangan, Acting Department Head of the City Population Office, shared that the team began with school administrators to earn their trust, gradually involving parents and students in the process. 

Despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the city quickly pivoted to virtual platforms, ensuring continuity through online activities such as teenage pregnancy symposiums and adolescent health film dissemination. Once in-person activities resumed, Biñan organized blended, community-based events including the Pinsenya and Bunti’s Party, which used interactive learning to deliver maternal and reproductive health messages.

Teen centers became a cornerstone of the city’s youth strategy. School-based and community-based centers were designed to be safe, non-judgmental spaces for young people to access services, information, and mental health support. Formalized through Memoranda of Agreement with CPD-Calabarzon and educational institutions, three school-based teen centers were established across public and private schools. These centers also served as referral hubs under the Information Service Delivery Network (ISDN), linking adolescents to health providers and social support systems. Mental health, in particular, emerged as a recurring concern. Population Program Officer Hilario Pantua Jr. noted that the centers helped change how youth viewed mental health services, moving away from punitive associations with guidance offices and toward a model grounded in care and trust.

To expand reach and reinforce behavior change, Biñan trained peer facilitators and implemented youth-led sessions such as Breaking the Barrier Sessions (BTBS), Bunteens, Teenzania, U4U Teen Trail, and Parent-Teen Talks. These initiatives supported conversations on responsible parenthood, gender equality, and family planning—meeting adolescents where they were and speaking their language.

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Building Demand, Strengthening Systems

Alongside youth engagement, Biñan strengthened its health service delivery system. Barangay health stations were upgraded and certified as Level 1 adolescent-friendly health facilities, while City Health Office I and II attained Level 2 certification. These facilities were staffed by adolescent health specialists and peer educators, ensuring services were accessible, inclusive, and age-appropriate.

At the core of these improvements was a commitment to data-driven planning. Through the Field Health Service and Information System (FHSIS) and the e-Plano platform, Biñan monitored service quality, contraceptive uptake, and teen pregnancy rates across all barangays. This digital infrastructure allowed for real-time tracking and responsive strategy adjustments, making program management more precise and impactful.

Complementing these efforts was the Serbisyong Arman Caravan, a mobile initiative delivering family planning and health services directly to barangays. The Caravan advanced the city’s rights-based FP messaging, promoting informed choice and correcting misconceptions about contraceptives. Rooted in grassroots engagement, the Caravan was instrumental in building community trust and addressing barriers to FP access.

Results and Sustainability

The results have been significant. City reports revealed that from an ABR of 47 per 1,000 in 2021, Biñan saw a sharp and steady decline: 22 in 2022, 16 in 2023, and 15 in 2024. This drop demonstrates the impact of the city’s combined efforts to build awareness, improve access, and nurture community support. Moreover, the rise in mCPR from 71.3 percent in 2021 to 83.12 percent in 2024 reflects not just improved availability of contraceptives, but also growing public confidence in family planning services.

To support this sustained progress, Biñan significantly increased its local investment in adolescent health. The city’s AYSRH budget rose from 625 thousand pesos in 2023 to 3.3 million pesos in 2024, and then more than doubled to 6.5 million pesos in 2025. These figures reflect the strong political will of Mayor Dimaguila and the City Council to institutionalize AYSRH programs and ensure that adolescent-friendly services are adequately funded across all barangays.

Biñan’s transformation is a testament to what is possible when leadership, data, and community action converge. Through its youth-led, multi-sectoral, and evidence-based approach, Biñan is building a future where every young person can access the services, information, and support they need to thrive—today and in the years to come.

Eight Cities Share Success in Family Planning and Adolescent Health

The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) and The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines concluded a three-day webinar series titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning (FP) and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health (ASRH).” Held on May 26, 28, and 30, the series showcased the work of eight local government units (LGUs): Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas.

Kate Graham, Deputy Director of the William H. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health, co-implementer of the TCI program, framed the event as a new chapter for local leadership: “This event marks not only a culmination, but a new beginning—one where cities take the lead in building stronger, more responsive systems for FP and ASRH.”

Day 1: Cities at the Forefront

Iligan, Naga, and Santiago shared how strong leadership fosters systems change. Mayor Frederick Siao of Iligan treated FP as a governance priority, while Naga Mayor Nelson Legacion institutionalized grassroots collaboration to address teen pregnancy. Santiago Mayor Alyssa Sheena Tan, represented by Population Program Officer Johanna Gabriel, highlighted youth empowerment through peer-led education programs. Adding depth to the discussions, Joyce Dela Paz, Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region V Director, and Theresa Soriano, CPD Region II Director, served as reactors.

“Our cities aren’t just predicting change; they’re creating it, one policy, one partnership, and one empowered young person at a time,” said Dr. Anthony Faraon, Chief of Party of TCI-Philippines at Zuellig Family Foundation, as he challenged participants to move from “best practices” to “next practices”.

Day 2: Expanding Family Planning Through Outreach

The second day began with opening remarks from Dr. Ann Ysabel Andres, OIC-Division Chief of the Child, Adolescent and Maternal Health Division of the Department of Health (DOH). Biñan Mayor Arman Dimaguila, Jr. emphasized co-ownership in tackling health system weaknesses. Mandaue City Health Officer Dr. Debra Maria Catulong presented their Women’s Health Caravan, which delivers life-stage appropriate services directly to communities. Manila Family Planning Coordinator Dr. Evelyn Rimando explained how they reconnected with women through house-to-house family planning services.

Reacting to these presentations, Marilyn Ogaya, CPD Regional Director for CALABARZON, and Reynaldo Wong, CPD Regional Director for MIMAROPA, highlighted the importance of community outreach, data-driven programming, and integrated strategies that address both demand and service delivery gaps in family planning.

Dr. Manuel Dayrit, ZFF Chairman, identified four drivers of success: strong leadership, technical excellence, adequate resources, and community engagement.

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Day 3: Reaching Adolescents through Adolescent-Friendly Services

On the final day, Iloilo and Las Piñas presented their adolescent health strategies. Dr. Justine Hernandez, Medical Officer of the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program at Las Piñas City Health Office, shared how a referral network streamlined services among adolescent-serving agencies. Richard Magullado, Information Officer and AHD Focal Person at Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region VI, described how Iloilo created safe spaces that encouraged youth expression and participation.

“As a continuous commitment to lead and sustain, graduating from TCI is not an end point. It is now your city’s duty to sustain your progress and motivate others to guide, support, and proactively create an efficient and equitable health system,” said Mylin Mirasol Quiray, Division Chief of Knowledge Management and Communications Division at CPD.

Adding further insights, Jackylin Robel, CPD National Capital Region Director, and Harold Alfred Marshall, CPD Region VI Director, responded to the city presentations emphasizing that adolescent-responsive systems must go beyond access—they must provide consistent, youth-friendly engagement that respects the rights and realities of young people.

Celebrating Local Innovation and Ownership

Over the three days, the webinar emphasized local ownership, integration of services, and community-driven change. Dr. Faraon praised the eight cities for their leadership and encouraged others to scale up proven models and build partnerships across sectors.

The eight featured cities—now TCI graduates—will serve as models for other LGUs working to improve family and adolescent health outcomes. Their stories underline a clear message: responsive governance saves lives.

Cities Lead the Way in Family Planning and Adolescent Health—Webinar Series to Spotlight Local Innovations

Eight cities will take center stage next week in a three-day webinar series hosted by the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) through The Challenge Initiative (TCI)-Philippines, a global program supporting high-impact practices in family planning (FP) and adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH).

The event, titled “Sustaining Momentum: Driving Leadership in Building Responsive Systems for Family Planning and Adolescent Sexual Reproductive Health”, aims to showcase how local governments have taken bold, data-driven actions to improve access to reproductive health services. The webinar series will run on May 26, 28, and 30, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, via Zoom.

Launched in 2020, TCI is a five-year global platform co-managed with the William S. Gates Sr. Institute for Population and Reproductive Health. In the Philippines, TCI has worked closely with city governments to support policies and programs that reduce adolescent pregnancies and improve access to FP services. The program encourages cities to adopt self-reliant, gender-responsive strategies that empower women and youth.

The cities of Iligan, Naga, Santiago, Biñan, Mandaue, Manila, Iloilo, and Las Piñas have been recognized as Global Self-Reliant Cities in FP and AYSRH under the program.

Each city’s approach reflects local leadership and innovation:

  • Iligan City expanded FP and AYSRH services by empowering women and girls with access to information and health services.
  • Naga City focused on youth-centered policies and community mobilization to address teenage pregnancy.
  • Santiago City promoted peer education and youth leadership as a tool for reproductive health education.
  • Biñan City tailored FP services to meet the real-life needs of women through integrated outreach.
  • Mandaue City launched a Women’s Health Caravan to bring services closer to communities.
  • Manila City used its Bayanihan Outreach Program to reach underserved areas with FP services.
  • Iloilo City created adolescent-friendly healthcare environments using culturally sensitive, gender-aware strategies.
  • Las Piñas City developed a multisectoral approach by aligning efforts across health, education, and social services.

The webinar series will allow participants to hear directly from local officials, program leaders, and partners about their experiences in building responsive and sustainable systems. Participants will also gain insights into effective strategies that can be applied to other cities and towns across the country.

Webinar Details:

  • Day 1 – May 26: Cities at the Forefront (no CPD units applied)
     Join via Zoom: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar1
  • Day 2 – May 28: Expanding Family Planning Services to Priority Populations through Targeted Outreach
     (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 3; Midwifery: 1)
     Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar2
  • Day 3 – May 30: Expanding Access to Adolescents through Adolescent-friendly Health Services
     (with accredited CPD units: Medicine: 1; Nursing: 2; Midwifery: 1)
     Register: https://bit.ly/zff-tciwebinar3

The webinar marks both a culmination and a new chapter for these cities as they continue to strengthen systems that protect and promote reproductive health. ZFF encourages health workers, local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders to join the discussion and explore how these stories can inspire wider change.

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