PH gov’t boosts commitments in reproductive health

“We are one with the world in renewing with rigor our commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Agenda,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who heads the Philippine delegation, said in the opening of the statement of commitment for the ICPD Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday. (File Photo: National Economic and Development Authority/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine government has reinforced its international commitments to improve programs in reproductive health in the country, and presented the milestones and policies already in place leading to real outcomes.

“We are one with the world in renewing with rigor our commitments to the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) Programme of Action and the Sustainable Development Agenda,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia, who heads the Philippine delegation, said in the opening of the statement of commitment for the ICPD Summit in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday.

“This is in line with our efforts to realize the aspirations of the Filipino people of a stable, peaceful, secure, and comfortable life,” he said, adding the connection of the commitments with the AmBisyon Natin 2040, the Philippines’ long-term vision for all Filipinos.

He also enumerated the milestones on commitments the Philippines have reached in recent years.

“The Philippine economy is closer to achieving upper middle-income country status. There are fewer Filipinos living in poverty, fewer mothers dying while giving life, and more couples and individuals are able to achieve their desired number of children. As well, we are seriously coming to grips with the issue of teenage pregnancies,” he added.

Pernia said the principles of ICPD have also been the basis of the country’s population and family planning programs.

“This has been supported by the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law, and further bolstered by the President’s Executive Order no. 12 on Zero Unmet Need for Modern Family Planning. We want to ensure that every pregnancy and birth are wanted and that every Filipino is able to contribute productively to national development,” he said.

These, Pernia said, are all spelled out in the Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022, the first of four medium-term plans towards achieving the AmBisyon Natin 2040.

On migration, he cited the UN General Assembly’s action in reaching broad agreement on the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM).

“Our unfinished business is thus our call for safe and orderly migration, as well as reunification of families on return migration,” he added.

The Summit for the 25th year of the ICPD is taking place at the Kenyatta International Convention Center, Naroibi, Kenya from November 12-14, 2019.

A total of over 10,000 participants from all over the world are expected to attend the event.