In a vibrant celebration of World Contraception Day, Organon Philippines and the Quezon City government reaffirmed their shared commitment to empowering Filipino women through informed reproductive health choices. The “Take Control: Buhay Mo, Iplano Mo” initiative gathered hundreds of women for a day centered on agency, awareness, and supportive community action.
Empowerment Through Choice
At the heart of the celebration was a powerful message: women deserve the knowledge and the freedom to decide what’s right for their bodies and their futures. Organon Asia & the Pacific Medical Director Dr. Christina P. Crisologo emphasized that reproductive empowerment begins with access: to accurate information, to a range of family planning methods, and to supportive health systems.
“Family planning is about choice, control, and confidence,” she said. “When women are equipped with the right information and healthcare, they can make decisions that open doors to healthier, more secure futures for themselves and their families.”
Quezon City as a Model for Reproductive Health
The partnership with the local government highlighted Quezon City’s strong track record as one of the country’s leading LGUs in reproductive health. Representing Mayor Joy Belmonte, Dr. Elenita R. Plata, Quezon City Health Department’s Medical Coordinator for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health & Nutrition, reaffirmed the city’s longstanding belief that equitable healthcare is foundational to community well-being.
She noted QC’s consistent investment in reproductive health programs, from accessible health centers and trained providers to aggressive information campaigns and family planning services that are available to all. These efforts have translated into real impact, including the reduction of maternal mortality cases from 135 in 2022 to 117 in 2024.
“Family planning is a public health priority in Quezon City. By preventing unplanned pregnancies, we prevent avoidable maternal deaths,” she said. “Awareness leads to access and access saves lives.”
Educating Women on Modern Family Planning Options
A central part of the program was an expert-led discussion by Dr. Khristine Vine Dubhe Jadjuli, an OB-Gynecologist, who walked participants through various modern contraceptive options. She stressed that reproductive health should never be approached with a one-size-fits-all mindset.
“Every woman’s body and life situation is unique,” she explained. “Proper consultation with a healthcare professional is essential to choosing the method that works best for you.”
This educational component reinforced the day’s core mission, empowering women to make informed decisions grounded in science, personal preference, and accessible support.
Turning Personal Commitments Into Global Impact
The event culminated in a “Commitment Exercise,” where attendees pledged to advocate for informed reproductive health choices in their own communities. For every pledge, Organon donates US$1 to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), extending the impact from Quezon City to vulnerable women across the Asia-Pacific region.
By day’s end, one message stood firm: reproductive health is not just a policy or a medical service, it is a pathway to women’s empowerment. Through partnerships like this and with LGUs like Quezon City leading by example, more women are gaining the knowledge, confidence, and support to shape the lives they envision.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by Organon.