Local RH law in full force since 2007

ASIPULO, Ifugao: In the hinterlands of the famous Ifugao Rice Terraces nestles a young and modest-sized town, Asipulo which has been implementing its version of Reproductive Health since 2007.

Reports from Philippine Information Agency in Ifugao note that Asipulo town of Ifugao carries out its own Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood Ordinance— and it is acceptable in the community.

Passed and approved in 2007, local officials deemed the ordinance necessary as it is responsive to the needs of modern family and community setting in order to achieve sustainable development.

Ifugao mayor Eladio Bang-ud said the ordinance integrates comprehensive reproductive health care and responsible parenthood focused on the time-honored value of respect for human dignity, people’s right and their families.

It is founded on the principle upholding the right of every person including the right to equality and equity, the right to development, right to reproductive health, right to education and the right to choose and make independent decisions on the number, spacing and timing of their children in accordance with one’s religious convictions, cultural beliefs and demands of responsible parenthood, Bang-ud added.

The ordinance has provisions on maternal, pre-natal, infant and children nutrition and health care, family planning information and services, prevention of abortion among women of reproductive ages and management of complications related to it. The local law also provides for the elimination of violence against women, male involvement in reproductive health, prevention and management of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmittable infectious diseases and education and counseling on sexuality and sexual health.

To ensure the effective implementation of the local law, a Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood Council was created. Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) and Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) were also tapped to assist in the provision of reproductive health information and organize responsible parenthood classes and special counseling sessions. –Thom F. Picaña, Manila Times