Healthcare experts, government officials, and international organizations gathered last October 25 to 27, 2023 for the National Family Planning Strategic and Costed Implementation Planning Workshop.

At the heart of the event was the exploration of Costed Implementation Plans (CIPs), comprehensive multi-year guides aimed at assisting governments in realizing their family planning objectives while ensuring the allocation of resources for critical activities. These plans serve as instrumental tools for crafting annual work and financial agendas, with a focus on addressing Unmet Needs for Modern Family Planning. The workshop highlighted the essential role of CIPs in not only costing family planning commodities but also enabling high-impact activities, including training, social media campaigns, hospital support, and technical assistance initiatives.

The event brought together a diverse assembly, featuring 18 representatives from the Centers for Health Development (CHDs) across the Philippines, alongside delegates from the Department of Health – Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DOH-DPCB), the Department of Health – Epidemiology Bureau (DOH-EB), Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc (PSRP), Likhaan, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI).

The workshop was also an opportunity for the DOH-DPCB and CHD representatives to acknowledge and express their appreciation for the unwavering support provided by PSRP (Philippine Society for Responsible Parenthood, Inc.), which co-organized the event, towards family planning initiatives in the Philippines.

As anticipated, the extensive discussions during the workshop pointed several critical points and challenges. In response, partner organizations emphasized the importance of prioritization to ensure timely and practical realization of expected outcomes.

This gathering serves as a milestone in the pursuit of a comprehensive and inclusive family planning strategy, underlining the commitment of all involved to shape a brighter and healthier Philippines.