Family Planning During the Pandemic

August 20, 2021

“Si Mareng Malen pala buntis. Ang laki na ng bunso nya ah tsaka 43 years old na sya ‘di ba?” Colleen whispered to her friend Melody.
“Eh pandemic kasi kaya ganun” Melody quipped.

Nakakatawa pero totoo. And problems such as unplanned pregnancies during this ongoing pandemic, alongside economic hardships and financial challenges are no laughing matter for vulnerable Filipino households. Kung para sa iba, ang pagkakakulong sa bahay ay dagdag-oras para sa lambingan, dagdag pasakit ito para sa mga pamilyang nabubuhay ayon sa pang-araw-araw na kita. Dahil hindi makalalabas, hindi makapagtatrabaho. Dahil hindi makapagtatrabaho, hindi rin makakakain. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) even reports that some families have resorted to negative ways of coping with the COVID-19 crisis such as cutting meals, increasing debts, selling assets or cutting short their children’s education.

According to the U.P. Population Institute and United Nations Population Fund, an estimated 214,000 babies will be born this 2021. Bago pa man ang pandemic, kinakaharap na ng ating bansa ang challenge sa population growth pero paano na ngayon? Bukod pa rito, may iba’t iba pang mga suliranin ang bawat pamilyang Pinoy na kailangang bigyang-pansin. Prioritizing the implementation of essential health services for every family must be highlighted as well. As we celebrate Family Planning Month this August, agencies such as the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and the Department of Health (DOH) have worked together with local government units (LGUs) to ‘uphold family planning as a priority, especially in areas covered by enhanced community quarantines, specifically Metro Manila and its adjacent provinces.’ 

Under the umbrella theme “Usap Tayo sa Family Planning atbp.”, the DOH and POPCOM aim to integrate the messaging on family planning within the context of sexual and reproductive health during health crises, informed choice and responsible parenthood and adolescent health and development. Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, Executive Director of POPCOM, adds “Protecting ourselves from COVID-19 is as equally important as shielding our families from the burden of unintended pregnancies that may hinder our nation in achieving secure and comfortable lives we aspire for every Filipino family, thereby allowing our nation to reach its full economic productivity potential and improve educational outcomes”. 

Kung hahayaang lumobo ang pamilya, papaano masisiguro ang maayos na kinabukasan para sa mga anak? Papaano sila mabibigyan ng sapat na atensyon at matutugunan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan? Lalo na ngayong may COVID-19 at pati ang mga bata ay pwede na ring magkaroon o mahawahan, may sapat bang budget ang pamilya para protektahan ang lahat? You need to be prepared to be flexible at para iwas stress na rin kung sakaling may magkasakit kahit sino sa iyong pamilya.

Women who are pregnant are at high risk of developing serious illnesses with COVID-19. Dahil dyan kakailanganin ma-confine sa ospital, mailagay sa ICU or malagyan ng ventilator ang nagbubuntis to help with breathing. Malaki rin ang chance na maging premature o hindi makasurvive ang sanggol kung sakaling magka COVID ang nanay nito.

Individuals, couples and families must consistently be given access to proper family planning information and services. Katuwang ng DOH at mga LGUs ang Civil Society Organizations, Non-Government Organizations, Private Sector, Faith-based Organizations at Development Partners sa pagpapalaganap nito. There are several ways for natural family planning and these are the calendar method, basal body temperature method and cervical mucus method. Kumonsulta sa inyong doctor in order to understand the proper way and techniques.

Paramount Direct is here to help you prepare for the unexpected and provide protection for you and your loved ones through our Hospital Income Benefit Plan. It is a health insurance product that protects your finances against the high cost of hospitalization and provides adequate financial coverage for the whole family.

Ang cash benefits ng aming Hospital Income Benefit Plan ay diretsong ibinibigay sa policyholder para ma-manage nila ang kanilang expenses. Maaari itong magamit bilang pambayad sa ospital, pambili ng mga gamot o gamitin panggastos sa araw-araw at pambayad sa bills.

This plan is available for individuals aged 20 to 64 years. The monthly premium for a Family Plan starts at PHP175. Payment and coverage period is up to age 70. To learn more about it, visit www.paramountdirect.com.

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