Mt. Province amends reproductive health ordinance

Friday, January 20, 2012

BONTOC, Mt. Province -- The Provincial Board has amended the ordinance promoting the reproductive health (RH), responsible parenthood and prevention of abortion in the province, adding more members including the academe.

The Reproductive Health and Responsible Parenthood Council in Mt. Province through Provincial Ordinance Nos. 76, S. 2006 and 78, S. 2007, was created and is composed of the provincial governor as the chairman and co-chaired by the Provincial Health Officer.

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Members include the Provincial Population Officer, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, Schools Division Superintendent, two municipal RH councils, Provincial Federation president, chairperson of the Provincial Board’s committee on health, five representatives from people’s organizations and non-government organizations, and the Philippine Information Agency provincial officer.

It is also provided that a minimum amount which is equivalent to 10 percent of the benefit payment from PhilHealth of the provincial hospital and district hospitals in the province shall be automatically appropriated for the purpose of this ordinance.

Provincial Ordinance No. 124, S.2011 amended the said local laws by including the Provincial Board chairperson on committee on education and committee on women and children, Provincial Information Office, Mt. Province State Polytechnic College, Xijen College of Mt. Province, and the municipal health officers as additional members of the council.

The council saw it fit to include these other members considering that they are directly involved with youth and that they can help create awareness and understanding about the issue of reproductive health and responsible parenthood.

The amended ordinance also provides that the amount of P120,000 shall be appropriated annually from the annual budget of the Provincial Government for the implementation of the ordinance. (Juliet Saley)