PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) on Tuesday approved a resolution calling on local government units in Palawan to accelerate and strengthen the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) law.
Board Member Eduardo Modesto Rodriguez, author of the resolution, said it aims to get municipal governments to intensify the enforcement of the RPRH Act of 2012 (R.A.10354) that guarantees access “to a full range of methods, facilities, services and supplies that contribute to reproductive health and well-being by addressing reproductive health-related problems.”
He said the RPRH had other provisions like the maternal and child health, nutrition including breastfeeding, elimination of violence against women and children, and treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancer and other gynecological conditions and disorders that Palaweños should know.
Rodriguez said there is a need to intensify the information and education campaign on what reproductive health services are covered by the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), particularly in remote barangays.
“Awareness should be increased on the recognition of health risks so that individuals seek and utilize RH care services,” he said.
LGUs should also be knowledgeable about their roles and functions in the implementation of the law to ensure that their constituents are aware of the full range of RPRH services.
“They have to know if there are adequate health facilities and skilled health professionals for their reproductive health care needs,” Rodriguez said, adding that not having these often discourage people from seeking the help they need. (PNA)
