LGUs key to success of reproductive health policy

LGUs key to success of reproductive health policy (Photo: Senator Win Gatchalian/Facebook)

MANILA—Sen. Sherwin “Win” Gatchalian on Tuesday said the success or failure of the nationwide Reproductive Health policy will depend largely on the level of cooperation of local government units (LGUs).

Gatchalian made this point after Pres. Rodrigo Duterte signed an Executive Order last January 11 aimed at ensuring that the government meet the needs of Filipino families for appropriate family planning support.

The full title of Executive Order No. 12 is “Attaining and Sustaining Zero Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning Through the Strict Implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act, Providing Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes.”

However, the implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law Act (RPRH Law) remains hindered by a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court (SC).

Malacanang expressed hope that the SC would lift the TRO with the issuance of the EO.

“As the arm of government closest to the people, LGUs need to stay at the forefront of the fight to improve reproductive health outcomes for women and the youth,” the neophyte senator said.

Gatchalian, a former three-term mayor of Valenzuela City, explained that as the owners and operators of local public health centers, LGUs are also responsible for providing pre-natal and post-natal care to indigent families.

He also pointed out that LGU would also be critical to combat rising health concerns such as HIV/AIDS (Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

“As we seek to fully implement the provisions of the Reproductive Health Law, I know from personal experience that LGUs need to be part of the solution,” said Gatchalian.

During Gatchalian’s final term as mayor, Valenzuela City was named one of the Champions of Health Governance in recognition of the city government’s excellent and efficient implementation of public health programs aimed at addressing the Millennium Development Goals concerning child mortality, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS and other disease epidemics.