Makati City, August 16, 2019 – A coalition of 11 organizations today launched a campaign urging Filipinos to show their support openly for family planning and reproductive health (RH), with the “DO IT RIGHT!” slogan and a distinctive hand sign.
Repeated opinion polls have shown that more than 70 percent of Filipinos support family planning and initiatives, such as the Responsible Parenthood and RH Law.
“The ‘DO IT RIGHT!’ campaign is designed to encourage everyone to take those beliefs they already hold inside and share them out in the open, proudly, especially on social media like Facebook,” said co-organizer Benjamin De Leon, President of The Forum for Family Planning and Development. “By showing each other how many feel the same, in a positive, celebratory spirit, Filipinos can together free themselves of old inhibitions.”
The campaign will include a social-media blitz, festival events, as well as advertising in traditional media like billboards, print and radio. It encourages couples and individuals to flash the Do It Right! hand sign in selfie posts or in public.
Two fingers held up together — representing the members of a couple – with a thumb in-between representing the contraceptive or safe-sex measures that strengthen their bond.
Initial members include DKT Philippines, the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), The Forum for Family Planning and Development, The Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, LoveYourself, RTI International, SheDecides Philippines, and all four professional associations for the country’s midwives.
At a press conference held in Makati City, they called on more like-minded organizations and individuals to throw their weight behind the campaign.
“This is wide open. We invite anyone who feels this topic is important — companies, famous Filipinos, anyone — to come on board,” said Hyam Asher Bolande, Chairman of the Board of DKT Philippines. Following the example of the #MeToo anti-sexual harassment movement that grew in North America as more and more women spoke up, the Do It Right! campaign is designed to gather strength over time, he added.
Economists and public-health experts have long lamented the need for improved RH education and access to modern contraception in the Philippines, especially for the country’s poorest. Religious-based organizations have protested the RH Law in recent years, but the law prevailed against court challenges and is fully in force today.
At the press conference, Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III hailed the launch of the ‘DO IT RIGHT!’ campaign, which he said comes at a crucial time when the government is also increasing its efforts to fully implement the law.
Nandy Senoc, FPOP Executive Director said, “It’s high time for society to finally put aside fears and embarrassment about this topic and declare openly – as the majority of Filipinos, together – that RH is OK, that it’s responsible.”
“When youth and women are empowered, there will be no teen pregnancies, no early marriages, no unwanted pregnancies or abortions. When women are well informed, the fight against poverty is already halfway won,” he added.
It’s good news that they are relaunching this very timely and important campaign. A great approach to level with the youth and everyone by means of social media will definitely create a huge impact and the much needed awareness.
As a mother, I want to be able to give the best for my children and that starts with the basics of Family Planning. How many children can me and my husband support comfortably and ensure a good quality of life? With this in mind, we say Yes to Responsible Parenting!
I pledge to fully support the #DoItRight Campaign. Let’s do this together, for you and our family’s better tomorrow.
If you want to know more or share your own thoughts in social media, Please visit their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DoItRightPH/) and use the hashtag #DoItRight.
4 Responses
Family planning should always be prioritized by couples. It’s the kids who will suffer if they don’t.
This is a good campaign for family planning . Since talagang ang dami na natin dito sa Pilipinas na napakahirap umunlad , kailangan isipin kung kaya pa ba natin ibigay yung dapat para sa mga anak natin . Masarap isipin na madami tayo sa pamilya . Pero mas masarap isipin na naibibigay natin ng maayos lahat ng pangangailangan nila.
I’m one with their campaign. There’s nothing wrong with family planning.
I was a teenage mom before and I know how difficult it was. To study and to work and to take care of your child. This campaign will definitely benefit many people especially women. Because awareness will definitely make a big impact to the society.