The Directional Plan for Population 2011-2016 addresses the challenge of poverty alleviation, as this is affected by fertility and parenting choices. Its long term goal is to contribute to improving the quality of life of all Filipinos through responsible parenting, and outcomes in health, education, and population that are in harmony with available resources and sustainable environment conditions, thus reducing poverty and inequalities in human development opportunities.
The following objectives support this long-term goal:
• Help couples and parents exercise responsible parenting to achieve the desired number, timing and spacing of children and improve maternal, neonatal and child health, and nutrition status;
• Help adolescents and youth avoid premarital sex, teenage pregnancies, early marriages, sexually transmitted infections and other psychosocial concerns; and
• Contribute to policies, plans and programs to attain population growth and distribution consistent with economic activities and sustainable development.
The following major strategies shall be undertaken:
1. Work for universal access (accessibility, availability, and affordability) of all medically, ethically, and legally approved family planning methods and services to help parents plan their families consistent with their plans and decisions;
2. Promote male responsibility in Responsible Parenting and Family Planning (RP/FP) programs, in the context of gender equality and equity;
3. Continue to utilize community organizing and participatory strategies (e.g., Responsible Parenting Movement, community-based volunteerism) to sustain and broaden the acceptance of responsible parenting as a social norm;
4. Provide age- and culture-appropriate and gender-responsive human sexuality education for the youth through the formal and nonformal educational systems; and educate parents in appropriate skills and information regarding adolescent health and human concerns;
5. Intensify communication, education, and advocacy campaigns for population and development and RP/FP programs by broadening alliances and strengthening networks with program stakeholders, LGUs, NGOs, business community, the academe, the media and faith-based organizations, among others; and
6. Advocate increased investment in the population program by the national government, and coordinate with LGUs to mobilize support for the population program through ordinances, executive issuances, and budgetary allocations that strengthen local population and RP/FP programs.