The Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC) just recently sent a letter to President Noynoy Aquino stressing the importance of Reproductive Health. They are one of the staunchest supporters of the RH Bill in Congress. Here is the full letter from PNGOC.
Greetings from the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC)!
PNGOC a national umbrella organization with 95 member national and local based NGOs involved in the promotion of reproductive health care such as maternal and child health, family planning, men’s reproductive health, women empowerment, STI/HIV/AIDS, sexuality education, reproductive and sexual health and gender and development extends our sincerest appreciation to you for making the Responsible Parenthood-Reproductive Health Bill as one of the 12 priority bills which will be presented to Congress for approval this year.
PNGOC believes that having a national policy on Responsible Parenthood-Reproductive Health can address the high rates of maternal and infant deaths in our country. Currently, there are 11 women dying every twenty-four hours due to pregnancy and childbirth-related complications. Thus, the Philippines have one of the highest Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) in Asia. These deaths can be avoided if more Filipino women have access to reproductive health information and health care.
PNGOC also believes that a Responsible Parenthood-Reproductive Health bill can provide an effective reproductive health education which is age-appropriate, correct and has accurate information on sexuality and reproductive health which will make the youth better aware of their Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR).
Mr. President, you have been consistent on your pronouncements and position to give Filipino couples the right to be informed on family planning and to freely choose the method they deem as most appropriate to their situation.
PNGOC will continue to support you and your programs especially on reproductive health information and services.
Signed,
Dr. Eden Ramos Divinagracia,
Executive director,
PNGOC
