CARMEN, Surigao del Sur -- The Commission on Population and Development (CPD), in partnership with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) Caraga, recently provided the family planning and adolescent sexual and reproductive health services to the indigenous communities, particularly to Manobo indigenous cultural communities at Purok 4B, Barangay Hinapuyan, Carmen town of this province, during the Kalinga Alay sa Katutubo: Service Caravan.

The learning session on responsible parenthood and family planning was participated by 30 attendees, of whom 15 of them made informed decisions to adopt different family planning methods and with significant improvement on their reproductive health and overall well-being.

Meanwhile, the adolescent sexuality and reproductive health learning session focused on educating the 28 attendees, who were 18 years old and below. As a result, they gained valuable knowledge about the health and social risks associated with early pregnancy. The session also shed light on the potential complications faced by adolescent mothers.

Further strategies on preventing unintended pregnancies were emphasized and empowering the participants to make informed choices for their reproductive health.

The Service Caravan was made possible through the unwavering support and active participation of the local government unit of Carmen, national government agencies, and private institutions.

This initiative is aligned with the objectives set forth in Executive Order No. 70, which focuses on institutionalizing the whole-of-nation approach in achieving inclusive and sustainable peace. (Vanissa S. Lavador, Field Coordinator/NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)