Davao City: A Model for Male Involvement in Family Planning

note: AI-generated image

DAVAO CITY — The City is making waves as a trailblazer in male involvement in family planning, particularly through its successful No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) program. With its proactive approach and consistent efforts by the City Health Office (CHO), the city has become a national model for promoting vasectomy as a safe and effective family planning method.

Loida Alemendares, Programs Director of DKT Philippines Foundation, Inc., commended Davao City for its pioneering role. “Davao City is one of the pioneers when it comes to vasectomy or male involvement in family planning. Your gender programs are outstanding,” Alemendares said. She noted that since 2007, Davao has been setting the standard for male participation in family planning, inspiring other provinces and local government units (LGUs) to follow suit.

Rising Numbers Reflect Success

The NSV program in Davao City has shown remarkable growth in recent years. Since January 2024, a total of 110 individuals have availed of the procedure, including 80 Davaoeños, 28 non-residents, and two foreigners. The CHO’s Population Division, which conducts free NSV services every last Friday of the month, is instrumental in this success. On November 29, in celebration of No Scalpel Vasectomy Day, the CHO provided services to 22 clients at the Buhangin District Health Center.

This increase mirrors a broader national trend. According to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, vasectomy claims rose from 27 in 2020 to 69 in 2021. While vasectomy remains underutilized nationwide—accounting for less than 1% of all family planning methods—the steady growth in Davao City highlights the potential of targeted campaigns to shift cultural attitudes.

Dr. Titus Theodor Antonio of the CHO’s Population Division emphasized the safety and effectiveness of NSV. “It is very safe because it is non-invasive. Unlike the conventional method which uses a blade, this involves only a small puncture. Pain is minimal—almost nonexistent,” Antonio said. The CHO continuously educates men to address misconceptions about vasectomy, stressing its reliability as a family planning method.

Davao City’s innovative approach was recently highlighted at the National Family Planning Conference, where the CHO presented its good practices. “The whole Philippines now knows the excellent practices of Davao when it comes to vasectomy,” Alemendares said.

Davao City’s success has inspired other LGUs to adopt similar programs. “Because of Davao’s model, other provinces are now joining the campaign. They see the value of male involvement in family planning and are encouraged to implement this in their areas,” Alemendares added.

By promoting male participation in family planning, Davao City is not only addressing population management but also fostering a culture of shared responsibility between men and women. Male residents interested in availing of the free NSV services can contact the City Population Division at 09952024680 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

As Davao City continues to lead the way, its model serves as a beacon for the rest of the country, proving that family planning is a shared commitment that benefits everyone.