BUTUAN CITY -- The Department of  Health Center for health (DOH-CHD) Caraga recognized the Agusan Del Norte Provincial Hospital (ADNPH) as the first Family Planning Training Provider, in a ceremony held at the ADNPH Conference Hall, Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.

ADNPH achieved a significant accomplishment by becoming an accredited training center for modern family planning methods, with certification on four courses namely, Family Planning Competency-Based Training Course Level 1 for Counseling and Family Planning Provision, as well as Family Planning Competency-Based Training Course Level 2 for Postpartum IUD (PPIUD), IUD Interval, and Progesterone Subdermal Implant (PSI). 

Dr. Cesar C. Cassion, regional director of DOH Caraga, presented the certificate to Dr. Odelio Y. Ferrer, provincial health officer of ADNPH.

During the activity, a presentation made by Arlys D. Demata, senior technical officer of USAID’s ReachHealth Project implemented by RTI, discussed the journey of the Family Planning institution. She highlighted the inception of the Family Planning program up to ADNPH's current status as an accredited training provider.

As part of the recognition, the DOH Caraga handed over a Family Planning starter kit to  ADNPH. The kit included training sets and essential IT equipment like a 3-in-1 printer, a projector, a heavy-duty extension wire, and a laptop. Additionally, the DOH CHD Caraga provided family planning tools and supplies, including plastic storage, medical instruments, and training materials.

Moreover, the DOH CHD Caraga also contributed school supplies to support ADNPH's mission. These supplies encompassed items such as stationery, notebooks, organizational tools, and teaching aids.

In his message, DOH Caraga Regional Director Dr. Cassion expressed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts in the journey of Family Planning even despite the height of the Delta Virus last 2021, yet family planning programs are busy pushing through to have a family planning training provider. “We the DOH will continue to support your vision to become a reality,” he said. Lastly, he stated that the character of the institution, speaks volumes. 

Empowered by this achievement, ADNPH is ready to provide healthcare professionals with the necessary skills for delivering high-quality family planning services. This initiative significantly aided in realizing the objectives outlined in the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Act of 2012. By cultivating proficient healthcare practitioners and ensuring widespread access to modern family planning services in the region, the ultimate aim is to educate and empower Filipinos to exercise autonomy over their reproductive health. This not only enhanced the well-being of families but also fostered sustainable human development for our nation as a whole. (DOH CHD Caraga/PIA Agusan del Norte)