A.

ANTENAL REGISTRATION
Pregnancy poses a risk to the life of every woman. Pregnant women may suffer complication and die.
Every woman has to visit the nearest facility for antenatal registration and to avail prenatal care services.
This is the only way to guide her in pregnancy care to make her prepare for child birth. The standard
prenatal visits that women have to receive during pregnancy are as follows:
Prental Visits
1st visit
2nd visit
3rd visit
Every 2 weeks

Period of Pregnancy
As early in pregnancy as possible before four months or during the first trimester
During the 2nd trimester
During the 3rd trimester
After 8th month of pregnancy till delivery.

B. TETANUS TOXOID IMMUNIZATION

Neonatal Tetanus is one of the public health concerns that we need to address among newborns. To
protect them from deadly disease, tetanus toxoid immunization is important for pregnant women and child
bearing age women. Both mother and child are protected against tetanus and neonatal tetanus. A series
of 2 doses of Tetanus Toxoid vaccination must be received by a woman one month before delivery to
protect baby from neonatal tetanus. And the 3 booster dose shots to complete the five doses following the
recommended schedule provides full protection for both mother and child. The mother is then called as a
fully immunized mother (FIM).

C. MICRONUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION
Micronutrient supplementation is vital for pregnant women. These are necessary to prevent anema,
vitamin A deficieny and other nutritional disorders. They are:
Nutrient Dose

Schedule

Vitamin 10,000 IU
A

Twice a week starting on Do not give Vitamin A supplementation before the 4th
the 4th month of
month of pregnancy. It might cause congenital problems
pregnancy
in the baby.

Iron

Remarks

60 mg/400 Daily
ug tablet

D. TREATMENT OF DISEASES AND OTHER CONDITION

There are other conditions that might occur among pregnant women. These conditions may endanger her
health and complication could occur. Follow first aid treatment:
Conditions/Diseases
Difficulty of
breathing/obstruction of
airway

What to do

Clear airway

Place in her best position

Refer woman to hospital with EmOC

capabilities

Keep on her back arms at the side

Unconscious

Do not give

Tilt head backward (unless trauma is

suspected)

Lift chin to open airway

Clear secretions from throat

Give IVF to prevent or correct shock

Monitor VS every 15 minutes

Monitor fluid given. If difficulty of breathing and

puffiness develops, stop infusion

Monitor U.O.

Do not give oral rehydration solution to a

woman who is unconscious or has convulsions.

Do not give IVF if you are not trained to do so

Massage uterus and expel clots

If bleeding persists:

Post partum bleeding

Place cupped palm on uterine fundus

and feel for state of contraction

Massage fundus in a circular motion

Apply bimanual uterine compression if

ergometrine treatment done and
p[ostpartum bleeding still persists

Give ergometrine 0.2. IM and another

dose after 15 minutes.

Do not give ergometrine if woman has

eclampsia, pre-eclampsia or hypertension.

Intestinal parasite
infection

Giver mebendazole 500mg tablet single dose anytime Do not give

from 4-9 months of pregnancy if none was given in the mebendazole in the first
past 6 months
1-3 months of
pregnancy. This might
cause congential
problems in baby.

Malaria

Give sulfadoxin-pyrimethamine to women from malaria

endemic areas who are in 1st or 2nd pregnancy, 500mg25 mg tab, 3tabs at the beginning of 2nd to 3rd trimesters
not less than one month interval.

E. CLEAN AND SAFE DELIVERY

The presence of a skilled birth attendance will ensure hygiene during labor and delivery. It may also
provide safe and non traumatic care, recognize complications and also manage and refer the women to a
higher level of care when necessary. The necessary steps to follow during labor, childbirth and immediate
postpartum include the following:
Do a quick check upon admission for emergency signs:

Unconscious/convulsion

Vaginal bleeding

Severe abdominal pain

Looks very ill

Severe headache with visual disturbance

Severe breathing difficulty

Fever

Severe vomiting

Make woman comfortable

Establish rapport with the client by greeting and interviewing to make her comfortable.
Assess the woman in labor
Assessing the client is a reference guide for a health worker to determine its status during labor stage.
This can be done by taking the history of the ff:

Last menstrual period (LMP)

Number of pregnancy

Start of labor pains

Age/height

Danger signs of pregnancy

Taking the history through interview will help determine the clients condition during delivery of a baby.
Determine the stage of labor
Labor can be determined when womans response to contraction is observed pushing down and vulva is
bulging, with leaking amniotic fluid, and vaginal bleeding. A vaginal examination can be performed to
determine the degree of contraction.
Decide if the woman can safely deliver
By assessing the condition of the client and not finding any indication that could harm the delivery of a
baby, a trained health worker can decide a safe delivery of a mother.
Give supportive care throughout labor
There are many things that a woman needs to do during labor. This will help her deliver clean, safe and
free from fatigue. These are:

Encourage to take a bath at the onset of labor

Encourage to drink but not to eat as this may interfere surgery in case needed.

Encourage to empty bladder and bowels to facilitate delivery of the baby. Remind to empty
bladder ever 2 hours

Encourage to do breathing technique to help energy in pushing baby out the vagina. Panting can
be done by breathing with open mouth with 2 short breaths followed by long breath. This prevent
pushing at the end of the first stage.

Monitor and manage labor

These re different stages of labor to watch out any danger signs
Stage
First StageNot yet in active
labor, cervix is dilated 0-3cm
and contractions are weak,
less than 2 to 10 minutes.

What to do

Not to do

Check every hour for emergency signs,

frequency and duration of contractions, fetal
heart rate, etc.

Check every 4 hours for fever, pulse, BP and

cervical dilatation

Record time of rupture of membranes and color

of amniotic fluid.

Assess progress of labor

o

First StageIn active labor,

cervix is dilated 4 cm or more

Second StageCervix dilated

10 cm or bulging thin
perineum and head visible

Third StageBetween birth of

the baby and delivery of the
placenta

Others

Refer woman immediately to hospital

facility with comprehensive emergency
obstetrical care capabilities if after 8
hours, contractions are stronger and
more frequent but no progress in
cervical dilatation, with or without
membranes ruptured.

Check every 30 minutes for emergency signs

Check every 4 hours for fever, pulse, BP and

cervical dilation

Record time of rupture of membranes and color

of amniotic fluid

Record findings in partograph/patient record.

Do not allow woman to push unless delivery is

imminent. It will just exhaust the woman.

Do not give medications to speed up labor. It

may endanger and cause trauma to mother and
the baby.

Check every 5 minutes for perineum thinning

and bulging, visible descend of the head during
contraction, emergency signs, fetal heart rate
and mood and behavior.

Continued recording in the partograph.

Do not apply fundal pressure to help delivery the

baby.

Deliver the placenta

Check the completeness of placenta and

membranes

Do not squeeze or massage the abdomen to

deliver the placenta

Do not do vaginal examination more

frequently than every 4 hours.

Monitor closely within one hour after delivery and give supportive care

Continue care after one hour postpartum. Keep watch closely for at least 2 hours.

Educate and counsel on FP and provide FP method if available and decision was made by a
woman.

Birth registration

Importance of BF

Newborn Screening for babies delivered in RHU or at home within 48 hours up to 2 weeks after
birth

Schedule when to return for consultation for postpartum partum visits

Inform, teach and counsel the woman on important MCH messages:

1st Visit

1st week post partum preferable 3-5 days

2nd Visit

6 weeks post partum

F. FAMILY PLANNING METHODS

A national mandated priority public health program to attain the country's national health development: a
health intervention program and an important tool for the improvement of the health and welfare of
mothers, children and other members of the family. It also provides information and services for the
couples of reproductive age to plan their family according to their beliefs and circumstances through
legally and medically acceptable family planning methods.
The program is anchored on the following basic principles.
* Responsible Parenthood which means that each family has the right and duty to determine the desired
number of children they might have and when they might have them. And beyond responsible parenthood
is Responsible Parenting which is the proper ubringing and education of chidren so that they grow up to
be upright, productive and civic-minded citizens.

G. CHILD HEALTH PROGRAM

Child Health and Development Strategic Plan Year 2001-2004
Children's Health 2025, a subdocument of CHILD 21, realizes that health is a critical and fundamental
element in children's welfare. However, health programs cannot be implemented in isolation from the
other component that determine the safety and well being of children in society. Children's Health 2025,
therefore, should be able to integrate the strategies and interventions into the overall plan for children's
development.
Children's Health 2025 contains both mid-term strategies, which is targeted towards the year
2004, while long-term strategies are targeted by the year 2025. It utilizes a life cycle approach and
weaves in the rights of children. The life cycle approach ensures that the issues, needs and gaps are
addressed at the different stages of the child's growth and development.
The period year 2002 to 2004 will put emphasis on timely diagnosis and management of
common diseases of childhood as well as disease prevention and health promotion, particularly in the
fields of immunization, nutrition and the acquisisiton of health lifestyles. Also critical for effective pallning
and implementation would be addressing the components of the health infrastructure such as human
resource development, quality assurance, monitoring and disease surveillance, and health information
and education.

The successful implementation of these strategies will require collaborative efforts with the other
stakeholdres and also implies integration with the other developmental plan of action for children.
Vision
A healthy Filipino child is:

Wanted, planned and conceived by healthy parentsCarried to term by healthy motherBorn into a
loving, caring. stable family capable of providing for his or her basic needsDelivered safely by a
trained attendant

Screened for congenital defects shortly after birth; if defects are found, interventions to corrrect
these defects are implemented at the appropriate time

Exclusively breastfed for at least six months of age, and continued breasfeeding up to two
yearsIntroduced to compementary foods at about six months of age, and gradually to a balanced,
nutritious dietProtected from the consequences of protein-calorie and micronutirent deficiencies
through good nutrition and access to fortified foods and iodized salt

Provided with safe, clean and hygienic surroundings and protected from accidentsProperly cared
for at home when sick and brought timely to a health facility for appropriate management when
needed.Offered equal access to good quality curative, preventive and promotive health care
services and health education as members of the Filipino society

Regularly monitored for proper growth and development, and provided with adequate
psychosocial and mental stimulationScreened for disabilities and developmental delays in early
childhood; if disabilities are found, interventions are implemented to enabled the child to enjoy a
life of dignity at the highest level of function attainable

Protected from discrimination, exploitation and abuse

Empowered and enabled to make decisions regarding healthy lifestyle and behaviors and
included in the formulation health policies and programsAfforded the opportunity to reach his or
her full potential as adult

H. INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING

A global strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) was issued jointly by the World Health
Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) in 2002, to reverse the disturbing
trends in infant and young child feeding practices. This global strategy was endorsed by the 55th World
Health Assembly in May 2002 and by the UNICEF Executive Board in September 2002 respectively.
In 2004, infant and young child feeding practices were assessed using the WHO assessment protocol
and rated poor to fair. Findings showed four out of ten newborns were initiated to breastfeeding within an
hour after birth, three out of ten infants less than six months were exclusively breastfed and the median
duration of breastfeeding was only thirteen months. The complementary feeding indicator was also rated
as poor since only 57.9 percent of 6-9 months children received complementary foods while continuing to
breastfed. The assessment also found out that complementary foods were introduced too early, at the
age of less than two months. These poor practices needed urgent action and aggressive sustained
interventions.
To address these problems on infant and young child feeding practices, the first National IYCF Plan of
Action was formulated. It aimed to improve the nutritional status and health of children especially the
under-three and consequently reduce infant and under-five mortality. Specifically, its objectives were to
improve, protect and promote infant and young child feeding practices, increase political commitment at
all levels, provide a supportive environment and ensure its sustainability. Figure 1 shows the identified key
objectives, supportive strategies and key interventions to guide the overall implementation and evaluation
of the 2005-2010 Plan of Action. The main efforts were directed towards creating a supportive
environment for appropriate IYCF practices. The approval of the National Plan of Action in 2005 helped
the Department of Health (DOH) and its partners, in the development of the first (1st) National Policy on
Infant and Young Child Feeding. Thus on May 23, 2005, Administrative Order (AO) 2005-0014: National
Policies on IYCF was signed and endorsed by the Secretary of Health. The policy was intended to guide
health workers and other concerned parties in ensuring the protection, promotion and support of

exclusive breastfeeding and adequate and appropriate complementary feeding with continued
breastfeeding. (1)

I.LAWS THE PROTECTS INFANT AND YOUNG CHILD FEEDING

J. Expanded Program on Immunization
The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) was established in 1976 to ensure that
infants/children and mothers have access to routinely recommended infant/childhood vaccines.
Six vaccine-preventable diseases were initially included in the EPI: tuberculosis, poliomyelitis,
diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and measles. In 1986, 21.3% fully immunized children less than
fourteen months of age based on the EPI Comprehensive Program review.

K. INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF CHILDHOOD ILLNESS (IMCI)

OBJECTIVES OF IMCI

Reduce death and frequency and severity of illness and disability

Contribute to improved growth and development

PRINCIPLES OF THE IMCI CASE MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

All sick children aged up to 5 years are examined for general danger signs and all sick
young infants are examined for very severe disease. These signs indicate immediate
referral or admission to hospital
The children and infants are then assessed for main symptoms. For older children, the
main symptoms include: cough or difficulty breathing, diarrhea, fever and ear infection. For
young children, local bacterial infection, diarrhea and jaundice. All sick children are
routinely assessed for nutritional and immunization and deworming status and other
problems
Only a limited number of clinical signs are used
A combination of individual signs leads to a childs classification within one or more
symptom groups rather than a diagnosis.
IMCI management procedures use limited number of essential drugs and encourage active
participation of caretakers in the treatment of children
Counseling of caretakers on home care, correct feeding and giving of fluids, and when to
return to clinic is an essential component of IMCI

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE IMCI STRATEGY?

1. Addresses major child health problems because it systematically address the most important
causes of children illness and death.
2. Responds to demands.
3. Promotes prevention as well as cure because IMCI emphasizes important preventive
interventions such as immunization and breastfeeding.
4. Is cost-effective- most cost-effective interventions in low and middle income countries (World
Bank).
5. Promotes cost-saving.
6. Improves equity IMCI improves inequity in global health care.

WHAT ARE THE FOCUS OF IMCI?

Improving case management skills of health workers

Improving over-all health systems

Improving family and community health practices

WHAT ARE THE STEPS IN THE IMCI CASE MANAGEMENT PROCESS?

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

ASSESS THE CHILDS ILLNESS

CLASSIFY THE ILLNESS BASED ON SIGNS
IDENTIFY TREATMENT
TREAT THE CHILD
COUNSEL THE CARETAKER
FOLLOW-UP

WHAT IS IMCI?
IMCI is an integrated approach to child health that focuses on the well-being of the whole child. IMCI aims
to reduce death, illness and disability and to promote improved growth and development among children
under five years of age. IMCI include curative and preventive elements that are implemented by families
and communities and by health facilities.
The strategy was developed by World Health Organization and UNICEF and is used by most countries in
the world.

WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF IMCI IMPLEMENTATION?

IMCI is implemented in 70% of all health facilities nationwide. IMCI is also integrated in the
Nursing, Midwifery and Medical Pre- Service Education. The attached lists/addresses of DOH
Centers for Development (CHDs) in 17 regions can provide technical assistance in IMCI
training. The list also includes the Nursing and Midwifery Schools designated as Training
Institution for IMCI Pre-Service.

WHY AN INTEGRATED APPROACH?

Ten million children die each year and majority of these deaths are caused by
5 preventable and treatable conditions namely: pneumonia, diarrhea, malaria,
measlesand malnutrition. Three (3) out of four (4) episodes of childhood illness are caused by these
five conditions
Most children have more than one illness at one time. This overlap means that a single diagnosis may not
be possible or appropriate.

L. Micronutrient Program
Micronutrient deficiencies can cause inter-generational consequences. The level of health care and
nutrition that women receive before and during pregnancy, at childbirth and immediately post-partum has
significant bearing on the survival, growth and development of their fetus and newborn. Undernourished
babies tend to grow into undernourished adolescents. When undernourished adolescents become
pregnant, they in turn, may give birth to low-birth weight infants with greater risk of multiple micronutrient
deficiencies.
Micronutrient deficiencies have considerable impact on economic productivity, growth and national
development. Widespread iron deficiency is estimated to decrease the gross domestic product (GDP) by
as much as 2% per year in the worst affected countries. Conservatively, this translates into a loss of about
Php 172 per capita or 0.9% of GDP. Productivity losses for anemic manual laborers have been
documented to be as high as 9% for severely stunted workers and 5% and 17% for workers engaged in
moderate and heavy physical labor respectively (Micronutrient Supplementation Manual of Operations)

M. ORAL HEALTH PROGRAM

Oral Health Program cuts across all life-cycle programs (child, maternal, adolescent, older, person, etc)
of the Family Health Office, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control.
1. Problem

The main oral health problems are dental caries (tooth decay) and peridontal disease (gum
disease). These two oral diseases are so widespread that 87% of our people are suffering from
tooth decay and 48% have gum disease. (2011 NMEDS Survey)

The combined ill effects of these two major diseases (except oral cancer) weaken bodily defense
and serve as portal of entry to other more serious, potentially dangerous and opportunistic
infections overlapping other diseases present. Such will incapacitate a young victim as in
crippling heart conditions arising from oral infection that may end in death.

The individual so affected with such handicap also has disturbed speech, becomes withdrawn
and avoids socializing with people and so lessen his opportunities for advancement. More critical
however is the effect of poor or defective teeth to overall nutrition to maintain good general
health, that begins with the first bite and chewing the food efficiently.

2. Program Objectives/ Indicators/ Parameters

General:
Reduction on the prevalence rate of dental caries and periodontal diseases from 92% in 1998
to 85% and from 78% in 1998
to 60%, respectively, by end of 2016 among general population.
Specific:
a) To increase the proportion of Orally Fit Children (OFC) under 6 years old to 12% by 20% by 2020
b) To control oral health risks among the young people
c) To improve the oral health conditions of pregnant women by 20% and older persons by 10%
every year till 2016.
3. Target Priorities
Pre-school children, Adolescents, Mothers, Elderly
4. Strategies and future Plans/ Actions
1. Formulate policy and regulations to ensure the full implentation of OHP
a. Establishment of effctive networking system (DepEd, DSWD, LGU, PDA, Fit for School,
Academe and others)
b. Development of policies, standards, guidelines and clinical protocols
- Fluoride Use
- Toothbrushing
- other preventive measures
c. Upgrading of Dental Services Unit all levels
2. Ensure financial access to essential public and personal oral health services
a.

Develop an outpatient benefit package for oral health under NHIP of the government.

b. Develop financing schemes for oral health applicable to other levels of care (fee for service,
cooperatives,
network with HMOS)
c.

Restoration of oral health budget line item in the GAA of DOH CO.

3. Provide relevant, timely and accurate information management system for oral health

a. Improve existing information system/ data collection (reporting and recording dental services
and accomplishments)
- Setting essential indicators
- Development of IT system on recording and reporting oral health services accomplishments
and indices- Integrate oral health
in every family health information tools, recording
books/manuals
b. Conduct regular epidemiological dental surveys- every 5 years
4. Ensure access and delivery of quality oral health care services
a. Upgrading of facilities, equipment, instruments, supplies
b. Develop packages of essential care/services for different groups (children, mothers and
marginalized groups)
- Revival of the sealant program for school children
- Tooth brushing program for pre-school children
- Outreach programs for marginalized groups
c. Design and implement grant assistance mechanism for high performing LGUs
- Awards and incentives
- Funding grants for priority programs/activities
d. Regular conduct of consultation meetings, technical updates and program implementation
reviews with stakeholders
5. Build up highly motivated health professionals and trained auxiliaries to manage and provide
quality oral health care
a. Provision of adequate dental personnel
b. Capacity enhancement programs for dental personnel and non-dental personnel
5. Status of Implementation / Accomplishments

Outpatient Dental Health Care Finance Package Being advocated for inclusion under PhilHealth
outpatient packages. The best scheme is through Capitation wherein a certain amount will be provided for
these dental services for indigent patients to certain health facilities including RHUs.

Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP) for Public Health Dentists- This training program was
designed with the public health dentists (PHDs) as the main recipients of the Basic Course on the
Management of Oral Health Program. The training is expected to provide an in-depth understanding of
the different roles and functions of the PHDs in the management and delivery of Public Health Services.
For the last two years (2010-2011) 10.2 Million pesos were sub-allotted to all CHDs for this purpose. To
date almost 87% of all PHDs are trained. NCDPC is proposing to develop Skills Training (Oral and
Maxillo-facial surgery) for Hospital dentist as continuation to the CEP.

Oral Health Survey The Department of Health (DOH) has been conducting nationwide surveys
every five years (1977, 1982, 1987, 1992 and 1998) to determine the prevalence of oral diseases in the
Philippines. In 2011, the NCDPC with a 5 Million pesos budget conducted the National Monitoring and
Evaluation Dental Survey (NMEDS) through the UP-National Institute of Health (UP-NIH).

Orally Fit Child (OFC) Campaign- In 2009 the DOH launched the OFC campaign for 2-6 years old
children (pre-school children) in day care centers. Orally Fit child is a child who meets the following
conditions upon oral examination and /or completion of treatment a.) caries-free or all carious tooth/teeth
must be restored either temporary or permanent filling materials
b.) have healthy gums
c.) has no oral debris
d.) no dento-facial anomaly that limits oral cavitys normal function.

N. THE ADOLESCENT HEALTH PROGRAM

The Adolescents Youth and Heath Development Programs was established in 2001 under the oversight
of the Department of Health in partnership with other government agencies with adolescent concerns
and other stakeholdres. The program is targeting youth ages 1024, and the program provides
comprehensive implementation guidelines for youth-friendly comprehensive health care and services on
multiple levelsnational, regional, provincial/city, and municipal.
The program is solidly achored on International and laws, passages and polices meant to address
adolescents health concerns. It is operating then within the facets and adolescents and youth health
that includes disability, mental and environmental health, reproductive and sexuality, violence and injury
prevention and among others.
It employed strategies to ensure integration of the program intothe health care system in addition, broader
society such as building a supportive policy environment, intensifying IEC and advocacy particularly
among teachers, families, and peers, building the technical capacity of providers of care, and support for
youth; improving accessibility and availability of quality health services, strengthening multi-sectoral
partnerships, resource mobilization, allocation and improved data collection and management.
The program to address sexual and reproductive health issues likewise adopts gender-sensitive
approaches. The primary responsibility for implementation of the AYHDP, and its mainstreaming into the
health system, falls to regional and provincial/city sectors. Guidelines cover service delivery, IEC, training,
research and information collection, monitoring and evaluation, and quality assurance.

O.ADULT MEN AND WOMEN

P. HEALTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR OLDER PERSON - R.A.
7876 ( SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER ACT OF THE PHILIPPINES
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7876
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER IN ALL CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES OF THE
PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.
Sec. 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Senior Citizens Center Act of the Philippines."
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the declared policy of the State to provide adequate social services
and an improved quality of life for all. For this purpose, the State shall adopt an integrated and
comprehensive approach towards health development giving priority to elderly among others.chan robles
virtual law library
Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. (a) "Senior citizens," as used in this Act, shall refer to any person who is at
least sixty (60) years of age.
(b) "Center," as used in this Act, refers to the place established by this Act with recreational, educational,
health and social programs and facilities designed for the full enjoyment and benefit of the senior citizens
in the city or municipality.
Sec. 4. Establishment of Centers. There is hereby established a senior citizens center, hereinafter
referred to as the Center, in every city and municipality of the Philippines, under direct supervision of the
Department of Social Welfare and Development, hereinafter referred to as the Department, in
collaboration with the local government unit concerned.
Sec. 5. Functions of the Centers. The centers are extensions of the fourteen (14) regional offices of the
Department. They shall carry out the following functions:
(a) Identify the needs, trainings, and opportunities of senior citizens in the cities and municipalities;chan
robles virtual law library

(b) Initiate, develop and implement productive activities and work schemes for senior citizens in order to
provide income or otherwise supplement their earnings in the local community;
(c) Promote and maintain linkages with provincial government units and other instrumentalities of
government and the city and municipal councils for the elderly and the Federation of Senior Citizens
Association of the Philippines and other non-government organizations for the delivery of health care
services, facilities, professional advice services, volunteer training and community self-help projects; and
(d) To exercise such other functions which are necessary to carry out the purpose for which the centers
are established.
Sec. 6. Center Workers. The Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
may designate social workers from the Department as the workers of the centers: Provided, however,
That the Secretary may appoint other personnel who possess the necessary professional qualifications to
work efficiently with the elderly of the community.
The Secretary may also call upon private volunteers who are responsible members of the community to
provide medical, educational and other services and facilities for the senior citizens.
Sec. 7. Qualification/Disqualification. A senior citizen who suffers from a contagious disease, or who is
mentally unfit or unsound or whose actuations are inimical to other senior citizens as determined by the
DSWD on the basis of an appropriate certification by a qualified government or private volunteer
physician, may be denied the benefits provided in the Center. However, the center shall refer the senior
citizen concerned to the appropriate government agency for the needed medical care or confinement.
Sec. 8. Exemptions of the Center. The Center shall be exempted from the payment of customs duties,
taxes and tariffs on the importation of equipment and supplies used actually, directly and exclusively by
the Center pursuant to this Act, including those donated to the Center.
Sec. 9. Rules and Regulations. Withinsixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the DSWD, in
coordination with other government agencies concerned, shall issue the rules and regulations to
effectively implement the provisions of this Act. Any violation of this section shall render the concerned
official(s) liable under Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the "Code of Conduct and Ethical
Standards for Public Officials and Employees" and other existing administrative and/or criminal laws.
Sec. 10. Coordination of Government Agencies. The DSWD, in coordination with the Department of
Health and other government agencies and local government units, shall assist in the effective
implementation of this Act and provide the necessary support services.
Sec. 11. Appropriations. The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall be included
in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and every year there after.
The sum necessary for the continuous operation of the centers shall be subsidized in part by the DSWD
and in part by the local government units concerned.
Sec. 12. Repealing or Amending Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules and
regulations, which are not consistent with this Act, are hereby modified, amended or repealed accordingly
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Sec. 13. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved: February 14, 1995

Q. REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
WHAT ARE THE 13 SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS?
1. The Right to Life

This means, among other things, that no womans life should be put at risk by reason of pregnancy,
gender or lack of access to health information and services. This also includes the right to be safe and
satisfying sex life.
2. The Right to Liberty and Security of the Person
This recognizes that no woman should be subjected to forced pregnancy, forced sterilization or forced
abortion.
3. The Right to Equality, and to be free from all Forms of Discrimination
This includes, among other things, freedom from discrimination because of ones sexuality and
reproductive life choices.
4. The Right to Privacy
This means that all sexual and reproductive health care services should be confidential in terms of
physical set-up, information given or shared by the clients, and access to records or reports.
5. The Right to Freedom of Thought
This means that all sexual and reproductive health care services should be confidential in terms of
physical set-up, information given or shared by the clients, and access to records or reports.
6. The Right to Information and Education
This includes access to full information on the benefits, risks and effectiveness of all methods of fertility
regulation, in order that all decisions taken are made on the basis of full, free and informed consent.
7. The Right to Choose Whether or Not to Marry and to Found and Plan a Family
This includes the right of persons to protection against a requirement to marry without his/her consent. It
also includes the right of individuals to choose to remain single without discrimination and coercion.
8. The Right to Decide Whether or When to Have Children
This includes the right of persons to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their
children and to have access to related information and education.
9. The Right to Health Care and Health Protection
This includes the right of clients to the highest possible quality of health care, and the right to be free from
harmful traditional health practices.
10. The Right to the Benefits of Scientific Progress
This includes the right of sexual and reproductive health service of clients to avail of the new reproductive
health technologies that are safe, effective, and acceptable.
11. The Right to Freedom of Assembly and Political Participation
This includes the right of all persons to seek to influence communities and governments to prioritize
sexual and reproductive health and rights.
12. The Right to be Free From Torture and Ill-Treatment
This includes the rights of all women, men and young people to protection from violence, sexual
exploitation and abuse.
13. The Right to Development
This includes the right of all individuals to access development opportunities and benefits, especially in
decision-making processes that affect his/her life.

WHAT IS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CARE?

Reproductive Health Care, according to the DOH, includes:
Family Planning Services, counseling and information
Prenatal, postnatal and delivery care
Nutrition and health care for infants and children
Treatment for reproductive tract infections & STDs
Management of abortion-related complications
Prevention and appropriate treatment for infertility
IEC on human sexuality, reproductive health, responsible parenthood
Male involvement
Adolescent reproductive health
Management and treatment of reproductive cancers
Services to victim/survivors of Violence Against Women

WHAT IS REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH?

Reproductive Health is a condition in which the reproductive functions and processes are accomplished in
a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.

WHAT IS REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS?

Reproductive rights embrace certain human rights that are already recognized in national laws,
international laws and international human rights documents and other consensus documents.
Recognition of the basic rights of all couples and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the
number, spacing and timing of their children and to have the information and the means to do so.
Right to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health.
It also includes their right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion
and violence, as expressed in human rights documents.

WHAT IS SEXUAL HEALTH?

Healthy sexual development
Equitable and responsible relationships and sexual fulfillment, and
Freedom from illness, disease, disability, violence and other harmful practices related to sexuality.

WHAT IS SEXUAL RIGHTS?

Decide freely and responsibly on all aspects of their sexuality, including protecting and promoting their
sexual and reproductive health.
Be free from discrimination, coercion or violence in her sexual lives and in all sexual decisions; and

 Expect and demand equality, full consent, mutual respect and shared responsibility in sexual
relationships

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SEX AND GENDER?

SEX

GENDER

Primarily refers to physical attributes-body

characteristics notably sex organ which are
distinct in majority of individuals.

Is the composite of attitudes and behavior of

men and women (masculinity and femininity)

Is biologically determined by genes and

hormones media; thus it

Is learned and perpetuated primarily through: the

family, education, religion (where dominant) and
is an acquired identity

Is relatively fixed/constant through time and

across cultures

Because it is socialized, it may be variable

through time and across cultures.

Sexuality: Encompasses personal and social meanings as well as sexual behavior and biology. It
includes ways our bodies develop and respond sexually, includes sexual acts: kissing, touching,
intercourse, includes feelings about these activities and responses. Also includes what we think is right
and wrong, good or bad. Includes life experiences that have shaped these feelings and values.

WHY IS THERE A NEED FOR GR-RB INTEGRATED REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES?

The reality shows that health providers, with all their technical knowledge and skills, are not necessarily
equipped with a gender perspective or with an integrated approach to reproductive health services.
RH being intensely personal and requiring a high degree of privacy as well as associated with strongly
held beliefs and the subject of social, religious, ethical, political and legal structures, need services that
recognize these factors.
RH is also significantly affected by behaviors of sexual partners that bear directly on an individuals
choices, health status and treatment outcomes.
Although training resources are available to help providers in the delivery of reproductive health
services, most of these resources are technical in nature and often do not include the social context.
There is a need for health providers to address the different areas of reproductive health care in a more
integrative manner, taking into consideration what the elements have in common and the linkages among
them.
Service providers need to view and approach the clients reproductive health need in a holistic manner,
thus requiring the health provider to be technically adept as well as gender-sensitive, client-oriented,
interactive and empowering.
Clients normally seek RH service for one presenting symptom/complaint such as one aspect of
maternal and child health services (pre-natal and post-natal care, immunization, nutrition) or family
planning, delayed menstruation, painful urination or post-abortion care.
Health providers tend to focus on the presented need or problems expressed during a client visit.
Although they may be aware that such particular need presented by the client may have come from other
needs or concerns that contribute to their primary problem, they may fail to identify underlying and other
important related needs and problems.

 This results to missed opportunities of addressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) related and
other important issues that clients fail or may be constrained to express due to fear, shame or lack of
knowledge.
Thus, opportunities for health education and addressing potentially life threatening consequences of
unmet SRH problems such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), violence and high-risk pregnancies
are neglected.