POPCOM calls on couples to observe FP

The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Bicol office has advised couples to observe family planning (FP) practices and avail of services during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) enhanced or general community quarantine (ECQ/GCQ) period.

“Be responsible parents. We want couples to realize that they should really practice family planning if they do not intend to have a new pregnancy,” Lourdes P. Nacionales, director of POPCOM-5 said.

She said that due to the ECQ/GCQ period, increase in pregnancy cases may happen when couples are unable to visit the health centers and avail of regular reproductive health services including contraceptives such as pills, condoms, injectables, and the like.

Nacionales said that health workers and volunteers in the region are aggressively providing family planning services by reaching out to households even during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We continuously promote and provide family planning services on the ground especially to far-flung areas. We will not have a problem with FP supplies. Our barangay health stations, rural health units and volunteers are ready to provide them with services and supplies,” she said.

With the help of the local government units, POPCOM-5 assures the provision of basic family planning services in communities despite community quarantine to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

Nacionales also said that parents should also educate their children about Covid-19 and the directives of the government to stay home. (PIA5/DDC/POPCOM-5)

A health worker administers an injectable contraceptive during the house-to-house delivery of family planning services in Ragay, Camarines Sur. (Photo courtesy of Rona Dela Peña)