Popcom urges media to increase stake in RPRH law

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 22 (PNA) -– The Commission on Population (PopCom) regional office has urged the local media to increase its stake in spreading the salient features of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law.

PopCom Eastern Visayas Regional Director Elnora Pulma said advocates fought tirelessly and passionately for the RPRH Law and it is now time for everyone to work together for its full and meaningful implementation, the media included, recognized being a potent arm in the law’s dissemination.

Hailed as a landmark and historic law, RPRHH Law took almost 14 years in the legislative mill before it was approved by the 15th Congress and signed by then President Benigno Aquino in December 2012.

PopCom gathered on Wednesday journalists to a RPRH media orientation and take the cudgel in making the public and other stakeholders properly informed about the law.

Pulma said that many still see the law as plainly “family planning”, a sad note to take she added. However, she said this can be overcome with the right information through the right influence – the media.

“RPRH provides measures from womb to tomb,” Pulma said.

The RPRH law provides that maternal and child health be improved by reaching women and couples with unmet need for family planning and ensuring their access to family planning, making sure that all births are attended by skilled birth attendants and are delivered in appropriate facilities that are able to provide at least basic emergency obstetric care.

In 2013, it was noted that there was more than 9,000 teenage pregnancies in the region, covering girls aged 10 to 19 years old. It was also noted to have risen by at least four percent in the succeeding year.

Through the RPRH Law, teenage pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections may be prevented through serious information and education and public awareness programs, including age-appropriate sexuality and RH education in schools.

Funding for the measures provided in the law is guaranteed through the annual General Appropriations Act.

Popcom likewise calls on local government officials and other stakeholders to do their share in the implementation of the law. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/AHLETTE C. REYES/EGR