Back birth control, local execs urged

A group of family planning advocates has urged local executives to come up with sound reproductive health programs, saying the national government is reluctant to involve itself in the matter.

Lawyer Rhodora Roy-Raterta, secretary general of the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN), said local officials could pass ordinances to institutionalize reproductive health — or family planning — programs in their communities.

She said RHAN envisions a society where every Filipino has access to balanced reproductive health programs that are needed at all stages of life.

"RHAN is steadfast in our belief that respecting, protecting and fulfilling reproductive health and reproductive rights is one of our keys to eradicating poverty," Raterta said.

RHAN is pushing for the equal promotion of modern and natural methods of birth control to manage the country’s population.

Reproductive health advocates have warned that the burgeoning Philippine population, pegged at 85 million and growing by two million each year, will further strain the country’s resources.

Raterta said many local leaders do not support reproductive health projects because of the lack of adequate information and understanding about the importance of planning a family.

"They have to know that reproductive health affects our economic and social development. Population changes our landscapes. I think we just have to raise their awareness about these issues," she said in an interview.

Raterta, however, admitted that many local leaders are not keen on having reproductive health programs because a bigger population means a higher share in the internal revenue allotment given out by the national government.

"They don’t appreciate social issues. They only see the numbers," she said.

Raterta said other local leaders stay away from family planning issues to avoid angering the Roman Catholic Church, which strongly opposes contraceptives.

She added that such local leaders fear not getting the support of Church officials when they seek reelection.