What an excellent local perspective on the situation Fred, thank you !


Arthur, thank you for your contribution also :-


It’s true that under Marcos, Presidential Decree 79 ( 1972 ) sought to establish the “ National Family Planning Program “ in an attempt to meet the “ grave social and economic challenge of high rate of population growth “, “ involving both public and private sectors which respect the religious beliefs and values of the individuals involved “.


Since then the focus on all issues around women’s reproductive health has varied from one administration to another, always heavily influenced by the Catholic Church, headed in the time of Marcos by Cardinal Sin. The general fertility rate ( births / 1000 women ) did, however, fall progressively from the Marcos era to that of Arroyo. Marcos also established the " National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women " ( now " Philippine Commission on Women ") in 1975.


It’s always – in my opinion - worthwhile looking at issues in a historical perspective, even if only to attempt not to repeat the same mistakes. But the Philippines does seem to have a long way still to go in improving the health of mums and kids.


http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/pres...d_79_1972.html

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story...-retrospective