A NON-government organization in Iloilo City expressed its support to the controversial reproductive health bill sponsored by congressman Edcel Lagman in the House of Representatives.

Dr. Betty Polido, president of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) Iloilo Council, said the House Bill 5043 or the proposed “Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2009,” promotes the right to health of women and respect to human dignity.

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Speaking at the general assembly of FPOP members over the weekend, Polido said the bill is not anti-life as insinuated by other people but “definitely pro-life with respect to human rights and equality.”

FPOP is a national organization and is celebrating its 40th anniversary nationwide in August this year. The local chapter was organized in 1969 and is presently in the forefront on promoting family planning and reproductive health advocacy down to the grassroots.

Polido, dean of the College of Nursing of Central Philippine University in Iloilo City, said the current advocacy is being focused on the youths who would go to unwanted pregnancy because they feel they are unwanted and not properly guided.

The FPOP chapter has provided services to 9,891 individuals last year and there are now more than 3,000 new acceptors on top of more than 4,600 old acceptors who continue to avail of FPOP services.

The general assembly also elected 15 new board members of the local council representing the academe, National Government, business, health, media, youth, community volunteers, local government unit, women, religious and community volunteers.

Certificates of recognition were also awarded to past presidents and supporters of FPOP.

The awardees include Engr. Aurora Lim who was council president in 1989-91; Leda Alba, 1981-82; Rosario Arandela, 1992-93; Dr. Riza Amaguin, 2001-2002; Perfecta Tamayo, 1983-86; the late Rev. Delbe Dianala, 1975; the late Josefina Ruiz; the late lawyer Concepcion Amamanglon; Johnny de la Fuente, Edwin Lopez, Esperanza Catedral, Dr. Ofelia Garfin, Elda Medez, Mercedita Caronongon, Pablo Española and Emmanuel Lerona. (Lydia C. Pendon)