Implementation lessons for adolescent sexual and reproductive health governance initiatives in Puerto Princesa City

College

College of Liberal Arts

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-2018

Abstract

While a national policy addressing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youth may provide direction towards efficient adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) program, its implementation depends largely on local government units. In recent years, the City Government of Puerto Princesa City established governance bodies to address ASRH issues such as increasing teenage pregnancy rates and incidence of HIV cases. Its Local Health Board (LHB) discusses and monitors implementation of all health-related issues requiring policy and funding support. Meanwhile, its Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC), which oversees child and adolescent issues, has been revitalized and expanded. Yet there is a need to understand the complexity of the issue and provide policy alternatives that local government units can consider. This policy brief aims to ascertain existing policy gaps. The proponents of this brief discussed with Puerto Princesa City officials and health workers involved in the formulation and implementation of related ASRH programs. The results of the policy analysis showed that, despite efforts by the city government and private sectors, the local government reported the need to strengthen harmonization and integration of planning, funding, implementing and monitoring processes for ASRH programs. Further, there is weak community governance and participation in the implementation of ASRH programs as evidenced by the absence of barangay (village) work and financial plans for adolescent health programs. While there is city government funding for youth activities, youth participation is still limited to organizing activities and training Sangguniang Kabataan leaders. Overall, youth involvement is not yet institutionalized in terms of planning, implementation and monitoring of ASRH policies and programs.

Based on the findings, the proposed policy alternatives for city government are (a) ensure policy support for a comprehensive ASRH program; (b) establish a barangay-driven program; or (c) support for youth-initiated programs.

html

Disciplines

Gender and Sexuality | Health Policy | Medicine and Health

Series Title

Policy brief (Zuellig Family Foundation) ; PB2018-03

Keywords

Sexual health—Philippines—Puerto Princesa (Palawan); Reproductive health—Philippines—Puerto Princesa (Palawan); Sex instruction for teenagers—Philippines—Puerto Princesa (Palawan)

Upload File

wf_no

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS