Growing the Contraceptives Market

The government through the Department of Health (DoH), recently launched the "May Plano Ako", a US-conceptualized family planning program on population control and reproductive health.

An enhanced contraceptives and birth control marketing strategy, the program highlights the role of the private sector in the government's family planning program. It may also provide a way out of the controversial Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

Widespread Myths About Contraception

A UK survey has revealed that myths about contraception may be widespread.

One in five women said they had heard of kitchen items, including bread, cling film and even chicken skin, being used as alternative barrier methods.

Others had heard food items such as kebabs, Coca-cola or crisps could be used as oral contraceptives.

Who is Damaso?

The name 'Damaso' was suddenly thrust into the limelight when performing artist-tour guide Carlos Celdran disrupted a Mass on 30 September 2010 to protest the Catholic Church's interference in the State's pro-contraceptive policy. Celdran was wearing a dark suit and top hat and held up the placard with the word "Damaso" in the the middle of a homily.

The name "Damaso" is actually a reference to Father Damaso, an abusive friar in Jose Rizal's novel, Noli Me Tangere. He is the kura paroko or parish priest of the fictional town of San Diego, the main setting of Noli Me Tangere. The Spanish priest belongs to the Franciscan order.

A Tour Guide with a Mission

The Facebook pages are again flooded by issues about the country’s Family Planning (FP) and Reproductive Health (RH) debates after Carlos Celdran was arrested on 30 September 2010 after making a scene at the Manila Cathedral. He dressed as national hero Jose Rizal and shouted at the bishops during a Mass to stop meddling in government affairs, particularly on population management.

He also held up a placard with the sign "Damaso," referring to a priest who fathered a child in Rizal's novel "Noli Me Tangere."

Voters Want Pro-RH Lawmakers

Despite all the black propaganda using malicious and very unscientific studies to discredit the merits of Reproductive Health bill, voters showed that they can see through the thin veil of lies to vote for the lawmakers supportive of the measure.

Prior to the 2010 national elections, several Catholic priests are asking the public not to vote for pro-RH bill candidates. Fortunately, the number of their deluded followers has decreased significantly over the years and their appeal only fell on deaf, but sensible ears.

Catholic Church's Irrational Stand

One of the more laudable bills pending before the Philippine Congress today is the so-called Reproductive Health Bill. It is national in scope, rights-based and provides adequate funding to the population program. Unlike the present set-up, the bill will not anymore depend solely on the initiatives of local government units and consequently, subject the program to the varying strategies of local executives.

The bill will, likewise, promote information on and access to both natural and modern family planning methods, which are medically safe and legally permissible. It will ensure the existence of an enabling environment where women and couples have the freedom of informed choice on the mode of family planning they want to adopt based on their needs, personal convictions and religious beliefs.