Manila: The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is stepping up efforts to encourage more Filipino men to take an active role in family planning. Speaking on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program on Friday, CPD Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon emphasized that fatherhood extends beyond financial provision, with men expected to share in the responsibilities of raising children and making decisions.
According to Philippines News Agency, Tacardon highlighted that building, supporting, and ensuring a comfortable family life is a shared responsibility between spouses. He underscored that fathers should contribute not only financially but also emotionally, psychologically, and in meeting other non-financial needs of the family. Despite some progress, Tacardon acknowledged that male participation in family planning remains below one percent, partly due to persistent misconceptions about vasectomy affecting masculinity or causing impotence.
Tacardon clarified that these beliefs lack medical basis, as vasectomy does not impact testosterone levels, physical appearance, or sexual function. He encouraged couples to consult healthcare professionals for informed decisions on family planning methods. The CPD has expanded its KATROPA program, which employs peer-to-peer education to reach men through friends, workplace groups, and community organizations.
The agency is collaborating with local government units, transport groups, farmers' organizations, cooperatives, the police, the military, and other male-dominated associations to integrate reproductive health education into existing programs. Government agencies and private firms are also urged to adopt KATROPA as part of their gender and development initiatives.
Tacardon reminded the public that no-scalpel vasectomy is offered free in government health facilities and is covered by PhilHealth benefits, with referrals available through rural health units and partner organizations. He encouraged more men to engage in the government's responsible parenthood programs, emphasizing that their role as family pillars includes ensuring the health, welfare, and future well-being of their families.
