Male-centric family planning remains low

MANILA, Philippines — The use of male-centric methods of family planning remains low in the country, according to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD).

Despite advances in the use of family planning methods, the CPD said vasectomy still registers the lowest at 0.1 percent while male condom is at 1.6 percent.

The CPD commended television personality Drew Arellano for getting a vasectomy as his manifestation of love and appreciation for his spouse and family.

“This gesture strongly exemplifies responsible parenthood and family planning as promoted by the CPD,” the commission said in a statement.

It emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in family planning and called for more male participation through actual access to family planning services.

Currently, the CPD pointed out, family planning is exercised mostly by women.

“We need more men like Mr. Arellano to encourage men to assume greater responsibility in ensuring the well-being of their partner and their children through responsible parenthood and family planning,” CPD executive director Lisa Grace Bersales said.

Through its flagship program for men, “KATROPA” or “Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya,” the CPD encourages men to give a higher level of care for their wives or partners.

It encouraged men to be more concerned with the holistic growth of their children, and to involve themselves deeper in the overall welfare of their families.