RESPONSIBLE PARENTING. While on home quarantine, a family in Tanauan, Leyte holds a prayer activity at home after church gatherings were prohibited due to threats posed by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19). With more time on hand, the Commission on Population and Development is encouraging responsible parenthood and family planning. (PNA photo by Gerico Sabalza)
TACLOBAN CITY – The Commission on Population and Development (PopCom) 8 (Eastern Visayas) on Friday called on families to take advantage of the home quarantine to practice responsible parenthood.
PopCom said with more time on hand, parents have the opportunity to bond with their children by talking to them about any concerns they are facing.
“We are pushing for responsible parenthood to take its core among Filipino families. Not only will this help children feel secure during this health crisis, but it also strengthens family relationship,” Elnora Pulma, PopCom-8 director, said in a statement.
Pulma told parents to spend time playing games or other activities of interest with their children and limit the latter’s exposure to television or social media, which could lead to increased worry and anxiety.
“These unusual times also give parents an opportunity to teach children about things like resource conservation, taking responsibility, and thinking about others in the community,” she said.
During enhanced community quarantine, when people are stuck in their homes, access to family planning is limited and could lead to unplanned pregnancies.
Family planning allows couples to achieve their desired number and spacing of children through contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility, according to the World Health Organization.
“Family planning in crisis-affected population is critical to meet the needs of women and girls, which can save lives and improve health. In times of pandemics, it is also wise to see its effects on demography, looking not only (at) deaths but also births,” Pulma added.
According to PopCom, major natural disasters, pandemics, and other events that force people to stay indoors are followed by an increase in births, citing Super Typhoon Yolanda that hit Eastern Visayas in 2013.
However, Pulma said crises could also dampen fertility since crisis-affected local economies result in diminished household assets and security.
“Affected individuals and families, particularly those under no-work-no-pay terms may experience financial instability. As a consequence, couples may delay childbearing,” she said.
As of Thursday, the Department of Health has not reported any confirmed case of Covid-19 in Eastern Visayas.
However, 90 patients are under investigation. (PNA)
