“Responsible parenthood is the key to improving family life.” This was the message conveyed by the Commission on Population-NCR (POPCOM-NCR) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development – NCR (DSWD-NCR) through their Planadong Pamilya Caravan held on June 10, 2016 at the Luneta Park, Manila.
Responsible Parenthood, as defined in the Directional Plan of POPCOM, is the will and ability of parents to respond to the needs and aspirations of the family and children. It is a shared responsibility of the husband and the wife to determine and achieve the desired number, spacing, and timing of their children according to their own family life aspirations, taking into account psychological preparedness, health status, socio-cultural, and economic concerns. It aims to contribute to the improvement of maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition as well as food and nutrition security. Moreover, the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN), the country’s blueprint for nutrition improvement includes responsible parenthood as among the nutrition intervention strategies for mitigating hunger and malnutrition.
The Planadong Pamilya Caravan with the theme, “Responsableng Pagpapamilya Laban sa Kahirapan”, provided around 200 Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiary families with family health and wellness services such as medical and dental services, family planning counseling, Teen Chat sessions, PhilHealth inquiry and registration, and nutrition counseling.
Several agencies and organizations including NNC-NCR, Manila and Valenzuela City Health Offices, LIKHAAN Center for Women’s Health, Friendly Care, Alpha Phi Omega (APO) Fraternity and Sorority, DKT, DOH-NCRO and Philhealth also participated in the event. NNC-NCR distributed Nutrikomiks on Breastfeeding, Ten Kumainments flyers and fans, and Pinggang Pinoy brochures to promote and advocate good nutrition among families. The provision of good nutrition to children particularly during the First 1000 Days was emphasized among the caravan participants as an important aspect of responsible parenting. (MABRM/MEVF/NNCNCR)
