In 2016, we were commissioned by the Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood Inc. through support from UNFPA Philippines to implement a family planning demand generation project. The goal was to increase reproductive health service uptake among poor families identified through the National Household Targeting System. The initiative focused on areas with large populations and limited access to modern contraceptive services, including Quezon City District II, Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat.
Where We Worked
Our team supported five barangays in Quezon City, specifically Payatas, Holy Spirit, Batasan Hills, Bagong Silangan, and Commonwealth. In addition, we engaged multiple municipalities across Sarangani, North Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat. These locations were selected based on high levels of unmet family planning needs and the presence of priority households.
What We Achieved
Through Family Development Sessions on Family Planning, we reached a total of 13,804 women of reproductive age. Of these, 9,872 received counseling and 7,442 chose to adopt a modern contraceptive method. These included pills, injectables, implants, condoms, and IUDs. Twenty clients were also referred for bilateral tubal ligation, while others opted for natural methods.
What Worked Well
Community mobilization played a central role in the project’s success. Barangay health workers, community health teams, and local leaders were trained to identify and engage women who had unmet needs. Their involvement ensured that sessions were delivered consistently and that women received their preferred methods without delay.
We also learned that including men in family planning education helps address common barriers. We recommended the rollout of Tatay’s Tambayan Sessions, which are designed to provide husbands and partners with information about the health and economic benefits of family planning. This approach supports sustained acceptance and reinforces household-level support.
What This Means
The project showed that strong partnerships with local health offices and proactive community engagement can lead to meaningful increases in contraceptive use. Structured provider orientation, responsive service delivery, and continuous follow-up helped ensure that family planning was accessible, acceptable, and aligned with national reproductive health goals.
If you would like a copy of the full report or wish to learn more about our approach, we invite you to contact us directly.