BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Cordillera Regional Implementation Team of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) commended its member agencies, local government units (LGUs), and civil society organization (CSO) through an awarding ceremony held in Baguio City on June 30, 2022.
 
This is in recognition of their exemplary performance and contribution in the implementation of the RPRH Law in attaining better health outcomes and sustainable development in the Cordillera.
 
The awardees include the Department of Education - CAR, Department of Social Welfare and Development - CAR, National Economic and Development Authority - CAR, National Nutrition Council - CAR, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government - CAR.

Awarded also were the Baguio City Health Services Office, Benguet Provincial Health Office, Kalinga Provincial Health Office, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, and the lone civil society organization, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines - Baguio Benguet Chapter.

Department of Health - Cordillera Regional Director Rio Magpantay emphasized that the RIT members have a great contribution in the upliftment of health especially among mothers, their children, and the adolescents.

"Meron pa pong nanay na namamatay sa panganganak. Hindi natin maze-zero 'yan subalit puwede nating mabawasan. Oo nga't mababa tayo sa national figures pero meron pa rin po and that is a challenge to all of us, not only us but also our partners sa local government. We have to make sure that every mother who seeks help at our Rural Health Unit, even Barangay Health Stations, are well taken cared of," Magpantay said.

He also emphasized the five Ps for the successful implementation of the RPRH which includes Pagmamahal or love for the family, Pagbibigay or the provision of necessary programs to the in need, Pagtitiwala or trusting each members and partners in uplifting the health of the Cordillerans through reproductive health and good parenting, Pagsasakripisyo or sacrifice, and Pasasalamat or giving thanks for the chance given to them to serve and think for what is best for the people.

Recently retired Commission on Population and Development - Cordillera regional director Magdalena Abellera also expressed that with the concerted efforts of the RIT, the challenges in the implementation of the RPRH in the region can be endured.

"Nakita natin 'yung pagkakaisa, magkaiba man tayo ng pananaw or paniniwala pero tayo, pinagkaisa nang dahil sa pagmamahal natin at paniniwala sa kabuluhan, sa importansiya ng ating reproductive health," Abellera conveyed.

Representatives of the agencies, LGUs, and CSO who received the awards also committed their continuing support to the programs for strengthened implementation of the RPRH. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)