Belmonte signs reproductive health ordinance's implementing rules

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the city’s controversial population and reproductive health management policy.

“With all the legalities in place, the city government is all set to put this program on a high level,” he said.

Belmonte said the promulgation of the IRR would make the city one of the pioneering local government units to adopt its own local reproductive health law despite strong opposition from the Catholic Church.

“We are committed to this program. What the city government is doing right now is coming up with a more direct way of promoting quality reproductive health,” he said.

The promotion of responsible parenting and the inculcation of positive moral and spiritual values in the care and education of adolescents are among the salient features of the newly promulgated IRR.

High school students in public and participating private schools shall be taught adolescent health education, which will include responsible sexuality and reproductive health rights, beliefs and values on sexual development, reproductive health care and services, sexuality and sexual orientation, responsible parenthood, prevention and treatment of reproductive system and disorders and illnesses, and maternal care and breastfeeding.

The city’s reproductive health policy supports the promotion of natural and artificial family planning methods. The city government has allocated P12 million to implement the policy, which was principally authored by Councilor Joseph Juico.   – Perseus Echeminada