A total of 337 mothers and youth from the Municipality of E. B. Magalona attended a symposium on family planning and availed of various medical services at the Public Plaza Wednesday [August 16].

The symposium was titled, “Family Planning Shortfalls Among Women of Reproductive Age in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas in Western Visayas.”

About 175 Saraviahanon mothers availed of Family Planning Acceptors (Provision of Pills- 3, DMPA Injection- 43, Subdermal Implant Insertion, IUD Insertion—129), 50 mothers availed of Family Planning Consultation to FP Continuing Users and Family Planning Counseling, 57 members of LGBTQIA and 25 pregnant mothers underwent HIV screenings, and 30 youth underwent discussion on Healthy Young Ones Class.

Gracing the meeting were Mayor Marvin Malacon, Vice Mayor Eric Matulac, and Sangguniang Bayan Members Wyndel Depasucat, Jovie Madayag, and Reylan Gamboa Sr.

In his message, Malacon underscored the importance of family planning for a healthy family, while also discouraging teenage pregnancy.

The meeting was spearheaded by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP)- Iloilo Chapter, and funded by the Philippine Center for Population and Development (PCPD)-Iloilo Chapter, in partnership with the Province of Negros Occidental and other provinces of Region VI.

The event was part of the Family Planning Month celebration, with the tagline, "Usap Tayo sa Family Planning para Protektado ang Pamilyang Pilipino."

The Municipality of E.B. Magalona was one of the only three local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental that were chosen as beneficiaries of the project.

Also giving their messages were Matulac, Municipal Health Officer Dr. Edmundo Janeo, Commission on Population and Development- VI regional director Harold Alfred Marshall, FPOP Chapter program manager and PCPD regional coordinator Mona Liza Diones. Joining them were Rosma Amar and Evangeline Tumpag, both of the Provincial Health Office; Eivenn Delos Santos of the Department of Health (DOH), and population officers Genieva Dequito and Marcial Cangque, and Dr. Frayne Marie Tampus.

Prior to the event at the Public Plaza, these officials paid a courtesy call on Malacon at the Mayor’s Office.

Facilitating the event were Municipal Health Office staff, including Municipal Family Planning coordinator Armalene Yocson and Municipal Population Officer-designate Glendale Jamili.

During the program, Malacon also inducted the new officers of the LGBTQIA Community of E. B. Magalona.*

E. B. MAGALONA PIO