Reproductive Health Bill HB 5043 - A PBL Approach to Educating the Community

REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH BILL – HOUSE BILL NO. 5043:

A PROBLEM BASED LEARNING APPROACH TO EDUCATING THE COMMUNITY

A Project Paper

Presented to the Dean of College

St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, Philippines

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Subject

Synthesis

Kookie Ablaza

Margarita Arbis

Agnes Aserit

Grich De Vera

Jelly Ann Limos

2nd

Semester . SY 2011 – 2012

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction …………………………………………… 1

Holistic Map …………………………………………… 4

Solution …………………………………………… 5

Conclusion …………………………………………… 8

References …………………………………………… 9

Appendix …………………………………………… 10

Rules of Trust …………………………………………… 11

Group Concept Map …………………………………………… 12

Group F.I.N.R. …………………………………………… 13

Individual F.I.N.R. …………………………………………… 15

Group Resource Map …………………………………………… 20

Interviews

Interview Introductory Letter …………………………………………… 21

Interviews Guide Questions …………………………………………… 22

Interviews Q&A …………………………………………… 23

Individual Reflections …………………………………………… 30

Oral Presentation / Slide Show …………………………………………… 35

The Reproductive Health Bill

“Don’t let someone else decide for you.”

(Source: http://theinspirationroom.com/daily/2009/reproductive-health-in-the-philippines)

1

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines’ population now stands at 90 million and, according to the United

Nations Population Commission, this number is growing at a rate of 1.6% to 1.8% per annum

(De Leon, 2011; Barcelon, 2010). Between 2000 and 2007, the World Health Organization

reported that the population growth rate was as high as 2.04% (Barcelon, 2010; Tatad, et. al.,

2008). Given these overwhelming numbers, many question the country’s capability of

sustainable human development (De Leon, 2011). Furthermore, according to the National

Statistics Office, bigger families tend to be more susceptible to poverty. In fact, 57.3% of

families with seven children are more enmeshed in poverty compared to 23.8% of families with

only two children (Lagman, 2008). These statistics clearly prove that the country’s rapid

population growth rate and increasing family size contribute to the issue of poverty nationwide.

The Population Commission affirms that ten (10) women perish every day as a result of

pregnancy and childbirth complications that were entirely preventable while both the National

Statistics Office and the 2006 Family Planning Survey find that the country’s maternal death rate

is as high as 162 per 100,000 live births. Certainly, the loss of these lives could have been

prevented had proper prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care been made more accessible to all

women (Guevara, et. al., 2008). Sadly, as reported by the National Demographic and Health

Survey and by the National Statistics Office, three (3) of ten (10) Filipinas are not able to

complete at least four (4) prenatal care appointments, the recommended number. Further, six (6)

of ten (10) continue to deliver their children in the home, where access to a certified birth

attendant and quality medical care and facilities, in case complications arise, are close to none.

Given these conditions and because a woman’s life and her overall well-being are very closely

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connected to that of her child, it is not puzzling to note that the Philippines’ infant mortality rate

and under-five mortality ratios are unsettling. For every 1,000 live births, 24 children perish

before their first birthday and 32 of them die by the age of five (Guevara, et. al., 2008).

To address these issues, among many others, Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay has

principally authored House Bill No. 5043, which is now known as the proposed “Reproductive

Health and Population Development Act of 2008” or the “RH Bill” (Lagman, et. al., 2008).

According to the Rep. Lagman, “The RH Bill promotes information on and access to both

natural and modern family planning methods, which are medically safe and legally permissible.

It assures an enabling environment where women and couples have the freedom of informed

choice on the mode of family planning they want to adopt based on their needs, personal

convictions and religious beliefs. The bill will promote sustainable human development. The UN

stated in 2002 that family planning and reproductive health are essential to reducing poverty.

The UNICEF also asserts that family planning could bring more benefits to more people at less

cost than any other single technology now available to the human race.” (Lagman, 2008). Rep.

Lagman and his co-authors also emphasize that the RH Bill is designed to address the needs of

low-income earning women and couples where women in families with less number of children

have more means and resources of making a living and are more capable of full-time, gainful

employment (Llaguno, 2010). On top of that, the bill does not have any biases for or against

either natural or modern family planning (artificial) methods. Both of them are methods of

contraception with the common purpose of deterring unplanned pregnancies (Lagman, 2008).

The politically influential Catholic Church led by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the

Philippines, however, has strongly expressed its opposition to the proposed Reproductive Health

Bill (De Leon, 2011; Ison, 2008). They regard it as being anti-life and pro-abortion (Somera,

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2009). To support this, they cite the 1968 landmark encyclical letter issued by Pope Paul VI,

“Humanae Vitae,” which in Latin translates to Human Life. This letter reiterates the Catholic

Church’s doctrine that states that the use of (artificial) contraception to deter human beings from

coming into existence is morally wrong (Brom, 2004).

In spite of this, while 90% of the Philippine population is Roman Catholic, four (4) local

surveys – one (1) national in scope and the other three (3) in certain municipalities – report that

majority of the people are in favor of the RH Bill (De Leon, 2011; Llaguno, 2010). An average

of 65% of the survey participants are supportive of the bill’s passage and its promotion of

modern family planning methods (Llaguno, 2010). On the government’s side, 102 lawmakers

have decided to co-author the RH Bill along with Rep. Lagman, in the face of criticisms from the

opposition (Ison, 2008), plus the incumbent president himself, Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino

III, who has received US funding in support of the RH Bill, has also expressed his full support of

the bill’s approval and passage (Barcelon, 2010; De Leon, 2011).

After gathering, reading through, understanding, discussing, and appreciating all these

statistics, data, reports, research and position papers, commentaries, and the Reproductive Health

Bill itself, the authors of this project paper have decided that the best way for them to educate

their local community on the facts and fallacies, pros and cons of House Bill No. 5043, is to

make a stand, a stand for themselves – in full support of the RH Bill. Thus, the following pages

will be as such.

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5

SOLUTION

PREPARATORY STAGES

Logistic Arrangements

The team will contact the officials of the local barangay, specifically the barangay

chairman and his/her direct reports, specifically, the barangay kagawads and barangay health

workers. The team will set up a meeting with them regarding their intentions of conducting a

learning-based, educational forum with their constituents on the government’s proposed

Reproductive Health Bill. During the meeting and subsequent ones, the team will make logistic

arrangements with them such as scheduled dates and times and a venue for the forum. They will

also request for access to materials and equipment like microphones, a whiteboard, chairs, tables,

and electric fans. If none is available, the team will source and bring their own.

The Target Audience

Everyone in the barangay is welcome to attend the forum. However, the team’s target

audience will be women of child-bearing age, parents and would-be-parents, couples, teenagers,

students, out-of-school-youth, and young adults.

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Inviting the Target Audience

The team has designed with its own poster, which will serve as an invite to the forum on

the government’s proposed Reproductive Health Bill. With the help of the local barangay

officials, this poster will be displayed in various public places with heavy foot traffic around the

barangay. Below is a copy of the poster invitation.

The team will also come up with an invitation in the form of a voice recording in the

Filipino language. They will request the local barangay officials for a roving van that has a

megaphone or public announcement (PA) system installed in it so the team’s audio invitation

may be played and heard all over the streets of the barangay.

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THE FORUM PROPER

The team recognizes that they are not the experts on many, if not all, of the topics to be

discussed during the forum. Given the sensitive and controversial nature of the subject, the team

has decided that they will be inviting resource speakers from various fields of expertise;

representatives that are supportive of the advocacies behind the Reproductive Health Bill. The

team will be in charge of time management and in controlling the flow of the program. Below is

the program schedule for the proposed forum proper:

Time Activity / Talk Speaker / In-Charge

07:30 – 08:00 Registration Team Members

08:00 – 08:05 Opening Prayer

08:05 – 08:30 Overview of the Reproductive Health Bill:

What It Is and What It Is Not

08:30 – 09:15 Responsible Parenthood

Natural and Modern Family Planning Methods

Department of Health

(Representative)

and

OB Gynecologist 09:15 – 10:30 Abortion: Dangers, Consequences,

and Post-Abortion Complications

10:30 – 10:45 *** Morning Break *** ---

10:45 – 11:30 Maternal Care, Health, and Nutrition

and Breast Feeding

Department of Health

(Representative)

and

OB Gynecologist

11:30 – 12:15 Infant and Child Care, Health, and Nutrition Pediatrician

12:15 – 01:00 *** Lunch Break *** ---

01:00 – 01:45 Sexual and Reproductive Health Department of Health

(Representative)

and

OB Gynecologist

01:45 – 02:00 Reproductive Tract Infection, HIV / AIDS, and STDs

02:00 – 02:45 Breast and Reproductive Tract Cancers

02:45 – 03:30 Infertility OB Gynecologist and Andrologist

03:30 – 03:45 *** Afternoon Break*** ---

03:45 – 04:30 Violence Against Women Department of Social Welfare

and Development (Representative)

and

GABRIELA (Representative)

04:30 – 05:15 Male Involvement and Participation in Reproductive

Health

Department of Social Welfare

and Development (Representative)

05:15 – 5:55 Open Forum Q&A Team Member/s

Resource Speakers

05:55 – 06:00 Closing Prayer Team Member

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CONCLUSION

As Scholasticans imbued with the Hallmarks of Benedictine Education, the authors of this

project paper humbly respect the Catholic Church’s stand against the government’s proposed

Reproductive Health Bill. However, as liberally educated and empowered young women, the authors

of this project paper have also taken a stand of their own in support of the bill’s passage and

approval. As Filipino citizens, the authors are genuinely concerned about the country’s alarming and

rapid population growth and disturbing issues on poverty.

Thus, it is with these principles and perceptions, that the authors of this project paper have

designed an educational program cum forum for the audience in their local community on all the

topics covered by the Reproductive Health Bill. This was created without bias for or against either

natural contraception or modern family planning methods. Further, the program was developed

mainly for the purpose of sharing knowledge, information, expertise, facts and fallacies, truths and

myths, and pros and cons on those subjects. It is with all sincere hope that the target audience of this

forum will be able to make educated decisions, informed choices concerning their overall

reproductive health and family planning methods.

As young women empowered by their will to be of service to the community, the authors of

this project paper humbly acknowledge their strengths and weaknesses and their lack of expertise and

experience on the various subject matters involving Reproductive Health. The wealth of information

they have gathered from publications, the World Wide Web, and various forms of media will not

compare to the stock knowledge that the experts in the field could provide to their community. Thus,

it is with humility and the desire to deliver a truthful, honest, and fact-based forum to the community

that the authors of this project paper have decided that outsourcing the role of resource speakers to

the experts is the best way to deliver their message.

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REFERENCES

Barcelon, E. (2010). Reproductive Health Bill. The Manila Bulletin.

http://www.mb.com.ph/node/280969/reproductive-health-bill.

Brom, R. (2004). Birth Control. Catholic Answers. http://www.catholic.com/tracts/birth-control.

De Leon, S. (2011). Philippines Birth Control Legislation Opposed by Church. The Guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/jun/08/philippines-birth-control-legislation-

church.

Guevara, M., Aguas, R., Alampay, L., Aldaba, F., Barbaza, R., Dy, M., Eviota, E., Guevara, R.,

Karaos, A., Liberatore, M., Lim, L., Montiel, C., Racelis, M., Rodriguez, A. (2008).

Catholics can Support the RH Bill in Good Conscience: Ateneo Professors’ Position

Paper RH Bill 5043. The 2010 Presidentiables Blog: The Aquino Administration, 2010 to

2016. http://2010presidentiables.wordpress.com/reproductive-health-bill-5043/text-of-

ateneo-professors-position-paper-on-rh-bill-5043.

Ison, L. (2008). Philipines' Reproductive Health Bill: Gaining Ground. PR-Inside.

http://www.pr-inside.com/philippines-reproductive-health-bill-r824037.htm

Lagman, E. (2008). Reproductive Health Bill: Facts, Fallacies. Philippine Daily Inquirer.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view/20080803-

152296/Reproductive-health-bill-Facts-fallacies.

Lagman, E., Garin, J., Santiago, N., Mendoza, M., Baraquel, A., Madrona, E. (2008). House Bill

No. 5043: An Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health, Responsible

Parenthood, and Population Development, and for Other Purposes. The Philippine

Congress. http://www.congress.gov.ph/download/14th/hb05043.pdf.

Llaguno, F. (2010). New DOH Chief Backs Reproductive Health Bill. ABS-CBN News Break.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/01/26/10/new-doh-chief-backs-reproductive-

health-bill.

Somera, N. (2009). Staying Alive: Reproductive Health Bill in the Philippines. Isis International.

http://www.isiswomen.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1209&Itemi

d=10.

Tatad, F., Imbong, J. (2008). Church Reply to Reproductive Health Bill: Facts, Fallacies.

Philippine Daily Inquirer.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/talkofthetown/view/20080816-

155092/Church-reply-to-reproductive-health-bill-facts-fallacies.

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APPENDIX

11

RULES OF TRUST

As a working team, the authors of this project paper developed these Rules of

Trust – work policies designed to promote harmonious relationships among the team members,

respect for each other’s time, efforts, and investments in the project, and cooperation, unity, and

fast and open lines of communication.

1. Attendance and Punctuality

• All team members are expected to be present and to arrive on time for any and all

team meetings – whether offline (face-to-face) or online (web chats).

• All team members are expected to submit their deliverables and complete their

assigned tasks, duties, and responsibilities as scheduled.

2. Communication and Accessibility

• All team members are expected to reply to any form of communication (e.g. SMS,

emails, private messages and posts on social networking sites, phone calls) within

eight (8) daytime hours of receipt of the message/s or missed call/s.

3. Cooperation and Division of Labor / Workload

• All team members are expected to actively participate and contribute to the

project. Workload will be divided fairly and equally among all team members and

tasks will be assigned to each member based on her strengths, skills, expertise,

knowledge, and capabilities.

• A team member who fails to contribute to the team project will be duly evicted

from the team and she will be excluded from any and all of the team’s submitted

reports, presentations, etc..

4. Courtesy, Respect, and Honesty

• As Scholasticans imbued with the Hallmarks of Benedictine Education, all team

members are expected to treat each other with courtesy, respect, and truthfulness

at all times.

5. Unity Amidst Diversity

• To promote team unity, specially during scheduled and supervised classroom

lectures and discussions, all team members are expected to attend class wearing

the prescribed item of clothing or accessory for the day (e.g. blue shirt, black

wristband, white ribbon, etc.).

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13

14

15

Kookie Ablaza

Synthesis (SY 2011-2012 . 2nd

Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin

INDIVIDUAL F.I.N.R.

F I N R

Facts Ideas Need-to-Know Resources

Group number of things or persons

being in some relation to one

another.

Who are the group of people

concerned regarding this

issue?

Media, online

Health Physical well-being What to do and what not to do

in order to keep our body fit

and healthy?

Magazine, books,

news paper,

internet, media

Audience Group of participants

Catholic community

School administrators

Scholasticans

Who should be our target

participants?

Are they going to hear voices

about the issue?

Are they going to accept sex

education and RH Bill and

add in their curriculum?

Will the school administrators

be responsive to the issue?

Media, internet

Priests, nuns,

bishops, cardinal

Community Group of interacting people

living in some range

What will be the possible

effect of this issue towards

society?

Media, public,

internet

Educate To teach and to gain something

or learn.

Who are the people we need

to educate?

Media, internet

Reproductive

health

Cause of concern Are there any implemented

laws protecting Filipino

citizens?

RHPP, Media,

Online

Population

growth

Number of marginalized

Filipinos be quantified

Maybe the RH Bill is the best

solution to the large number

of population in the

Philippines.

Media, internet.

News

paper

16

Margarita Arbis

BSHRM – Student No. 0811628


Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin

INDIVIDUAL F.I.N.R.

F I N R


Reproductive

Health

Taboo in our

society

Are there existing laws

protecting the citizens'

reproductive health?

blogs in the internet,

newspapers

Audience marginalized

sector

less-educated

population

Catholic

community

Scholasticans

from conservative

school

Will all the barangays be

able to experience this bill?

Will they cooperate and

accept what actual

community members are

taught?

Will they lend an open ear?

Will the administrators be

open enough. to include

sex education in the

curriculum?

newspapers, TV

interviews by politicians

newspapers, TV

interviews by politicians

nuns, priests

school administrators

17

Agnes Aserit

BSIT


Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin

INDIVIDUAL F.I.N.R.

F I N R


Group Different sets of

people formed

into one.

Who are these groups of

people responsible for this

matter?

Newspaper, Internet,

Tv.

Invited To be asked by

someone or

something for

your presence.

How can you invite the

people to get involved in

this subject?

Internet, Media (Tv)

Reproductive

Health

Cleanliness in the

body.

How can we maintain our

body healthy?

Books(library),

Magazines

Audience Group of people. Who are these people that

we should focus on?

Media (Tv), Internet,

News.

Community Organization of

people.

How does this issue affect

our community or the

different communities?

Media (TV), Internet,

News.

Educate To teach and to

learn.

Who are those people that

we should educate?

Media (Tv)

Matter A certain issue. How can this matter affect

every individual?

Internet, Media (Tv),

Newspaper, Library

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19

Jelly Ann Limos

BFA4VDC – Student No. 0811267


Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin

INDIVIDUAL F.I.N.R.

F I N R


Reproductive

Health Bill

A controversial

bill about birth

control

RH bill encourage

Filipino to have a good

quality of life and to

minimize the number

of population growth

especially to the

marginalize sectors.

Online | Wikipedia

Health Budget Minimize

expensive

healthcare

expenditures

Every year there are

two million babies

given birth and thirty

percent of these babies

were unplanned. RH

bill can help the

society by educating

married couples on

how to employ the

proper use of family

planning method and

to avoid unwanted

pregnancy that will

leads to expensive

healthcare

expenditures like

monthly check-ups and

expensive vitamins.

Online | Reproductive Health

Practitioners of the Philippines

(RHPP)

http://www.vitamins-

ph.com/2011/06/approval-of-

reproductive-health-bill.html

Population

Growth

Manage the

population size

of marginalize

Filipinos

Filipinos from

marginalize sector s

have the most number

of children in the

country. If only people

from these areas would

know how to control

the growth of their

families, RH bill might

be the answer to make

the Philippines away

from poverty.

Online| Juan Ponce Enrile

talks about “population

growth”.

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INTERVIEW INTRODUCTORY LETTER

(Date)

(Name of Interviewee)

(Job Title / Position Held)

(Address)

Dear (Name of Interviewee),

Greetings of peace!

We are senior students of St. Scholastica’s College taking up varied bachelor degrees. We are now

undergoing a Problem Based Learning Process as part of our subject entitled Synthesis. This subject

integrates all of our competencies as liberally educated Scholasticans guided by the hallmarks of our

Benedictine education in addressing a contemporary social, economic, gender, and/or environmental

issue.

We are now conducting research on the government’s proposed Reproductive Health (RH) Bill. In line

with this, we are seeking your help as a resource person on this particular subject by allowing us to

conduct a real time, one-on-one interview with you at your most convenient time. We strongly believe

that your shared knowledge and your insights will provide us with valuable information for our research.

Rest assured, all of your inputs and feedback will be used for educational purposes only.

Your positive response and willingness to participate in our research will be highly appreciated.

For queries, please feel free to contact our team member, (Name of Team Member), by phone at (Phone

No.) or by email at (Email Address).

Sincerely yours,

Margarita Arbis – Team Leader

Agnes Aserit – Team Member

Grich De Vera – Team Member

Jelly Ann Limos – Team Member

Kookie Ablaza – Team Member

Student Researchers

Noted by:

Raul Llorin

Professor

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INTERVIEW GUIDE QUESTIONS

1. What are your personal thoughts on the government's proposed Reproductive Health Bill?

2. If you were given the opportunity to author the Reproductive Health Bill, what are the things

you would consider and include in the bill?

3. Other than the proposed Reproductive Health Bill, what other solution/s do you think could

help alleviate poverty in the Philippines and regulate our rapid population growth?

4. Do you believe that the church, the government, and all the private sectors should collaborate

their efforts in support of the Reproductive Health Bill so that it satisfies the needs & addresses

all the issues of those involved? Why so?

5. If the Reproductive Health Bill is passed, what is the best way to implement it so that it is able

to address the issue on the country’s rapid population growth?

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INTERVIEW Q&A

Interviewee

(Resource Person)

Fr. Gerard Reyes

Vice Rector, EDSA Shrine

Date January 18, 2012, Wednesday at 10:00PM

Location EDSA Shrine, Ortigas,

Pasig City, Philippines

Interviewer Margarita Arbis

“The RH Bill, in reality, also means well. It advocates what we call Family Planning so it may have

good intensions... no doubt! And many would agree to that, but the means which it intends to employ may

not be that good. Owing to its very strong advocacy for artificial contraception and also the possibility of

abortion.”

“Let's say, it's not all negative. There are parts of the bill that would be very favorable, but it is just

the part that promotes artificial contraception and at the same time even abortion that we are against.”

“The solution that the CBCP wants would involve only Natural Family Planning and NFP is

definitely not in favor in use of either the pill or the IUD. In fact, even the condom would be considered

as a no-no for the Catholic Church even though it is just a plain barrier method. The CBCP would like to

promote not only NFP but even the sanctity of the married life and, at the same time, family life which

may all be threatened the moment we promote an atmosphere of promiscuity which is always under the

disguise of freedom of self expression, freedom of choice especially for liberated women, and, at the

same time, freedom form social embarrassment.”

“The bill also mentioned easy access to emergency obstetric procedures and the word obstetric

itself… mabuti sana kung gynecologic. It says obstetric and obstetric already means or pertains to a

pregnant patient and therefore ‘pag emergency it has something to do with pregnancy.”

“I believe that there can be a meeting point and that meeting point would be in terms of Family

Planning and that would be our common meeting point because the church does not condemn Family

Planning. If the couple would like to space their children it's going to be something very healthy for the

family. What the church does not like is to have a contraceptive mentality. Wherein you may use Family

Planning as simply to become less and less open to the possibility of new life. So if ever there will be a

meeting point, it will have to be Family Planning, which is natural, so NFP would only be the choice. The

second possibility will definitely be Abstinence. Anything else beyond these two would be exceptionally

difficult than to be considered as a point of agreement because even the IUD and the Pill not only

prevents conception (but also) they are both Abortifacient.”

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INTERVIEW Q&A

(Continued…)

Interviewee

(Resource Person)

Fr. Gerard Reyes

Vice Rector, EDSA Shrine

Date January 18, 2012, Wednesday at 10:00PM

Location EDSA Shrine, Ortigas,

Pasig City, Philippines

Interviewer Margarita Arbis

“If you will try to ask the church, the pill is not like the condom. At least the condom being a barrier

method will prevent the union of the sperm and the egg but the pill which intends to disrupt the hormonal

balance of the female will be able to prevent ovulation, but, if it fails, there is such a thing (called)

BREAKTHROUGH OVULATION and that will not prevent the egg from being fertilized by the sperm

during the marital act. So then what follows is it's suppose to be implanted in the uterus but because the

hormonal imbalance it also makes the uterine lining very inhospitable for implantation of a fertilized

ovum. What happens? Magreregla lang yung babae... once she menstruates, the fertilized egg could be

washed away at a very, very early stage so that the woman wouldn't be aware that she became pregnant.”

“It’s supposed to prevent fertilization by preventing ovulation. So yung babae ‘pag walang ma-release na

egg, walang mafe-fertilize yung sperm. Kaya lang, meron parating chance nagfa-fail ‘yung pill so that

‘yung babae magre-release pa rin ng egg. Ayun yung tinatawag mo na Breakthrough Ovulation, pero

dahil na-alter niya na ‘yung hormonal balance, ‘yung uterus din hindi na favorable for the attachment of

the fertilized egg. Naabort na kaagad.”

“As long as you have not yet committed the crime of abortion, there's no reason for you to be

excommunicated. Of course, there are other reasons for you to be excommunicated. It's not only abortion,

but with regards to favoring the RH Bill, the church has not, nor has it ever released a statement

threatening people of excommunication should they be found in favor of the RH Bill which as of now has

not yet even been passed.”

“Ang laban ng simbahan diyan is this. We play with words; we try to make our own definitions. Para sa

inyo, hindi mo na kino-consider na tao ‘yun (egg), but the church considers it as a complete human being

kahit hindi pa fully formed ‘yun or ‘yung organs niya at the same time wala pa siyang isip at diwa. Hindi

pa siya pwede makaramdam ng sakit at that point. Unlike the babies who are already bigger inside the

womb, they are capable of feeling pain and defending themselves as seen on videos regarding abortion,

but the potential of that fertilized egg, which already contains the complete genetic code, is what matters

to the church and let's just hope that somehow the RH Bill would evolve and change into something that

is no longer pro-artificial contraception and no longer pro-abortion. That's going to be probably a long

shot, but it won't do any harm to hope. We can still hope.”

– END –

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INTERVIEW Q&A

Interviewee

(Resource Person)

Sr. Mary Samuel Formoso, OSB

College Library Administrator

Date January 19, 2012, Thursday at 09:00AM

Location College Library, St. Scholastica’s College

2560 Leon Guinto St., Malate,

Manila, Philippines

Interviewer Jelly Ann Limos


Sr. Sam strongly disagrees with the idea of the Reproductive Health Bill. According to her, it

does not solve the problem on the rapid population growth or even teenage pregnancies. In fact, the RH

Bill makes the dilemma worse by tolerating young people performing immoral acts, such as premarital

sex and abortion.

She also thinks that the RH Bill is against women because the bill will just serve as a key for men

to take advantage of women for sexual purposes.



At this moment, Sr. Sam does not have anything in mind to include in the RH Bill.



Sr. Sam mentioned that the government should focus on corruption because it is the primary

problem in the country. The allotted budget for the community is stolen by the respected leaders. If the

budget is distributed equally then there would be no more homeless, hungry, and uneducated Filipinos.

She also mentioned that Filipino people should be aware of their situation today. Some Filipinos

do not even care to come up with simple solutions on how to begin a self-transformation that will help

improve the country.


their efforts in support of the Reproductive Health Bill so that it satisfies the needs & addresses all

the issues of those involved? Why so?

According to Sr. Sam, the church, the government, and all the private sectors should compromise

but not “support the RH Bill,” to look forward to the main reason why the country is suffering from

different kinds of crisis. She also mentioned that each sector should engage in peaceful dialogues sot that

each group would clearly understand what the message of the other party is.

26

INTERVIEW Q&A

(Continued…)

Interviewee

(Resource Person)

Sr. Mary Samuel Formoso, OSB

College Library Administrator

Date January 19, 2012, Thursday at 09:00AM

Location College Library, St. Scholastica’s College

2560 Leon Guinto St., Malate,

Manila, Philippines

Interviewer Jelly Ann Limos



First of all, Sr. Sam disagrees that rapid population growth is an issue in the country. In fact, she

believes that having a big population is an advantage for the Filipino to make the country a better place. If

only the honored leaders were responsible and honest enough to allocate the proper budget for each sector

then there is a big chance for each Filipino to have proper education that will save them from their

inadequacies.

– END –

27

INTERVIEW Q&A

Interviewee

(Resource Person)

Dr. Marianne Austria, M.D.

O.B. Gynecologist

Date January 19, 2012, Thursday at 12:30PM

Location St. Clare’s Medical Center

1838 Dian St., Barangay Palanan,

Makati City, Philippines

Interviewer Agnes Aserit


First of all, I think it is a bill that we really need; maybe even twenty years ago. Finally there is a

bill that addresses women's healthcare, women's rights, etc.. I think it is a very well-crafted bill

and I'm surprised because one of the co-authors is Edcel Lagman and I don't know why he did it.

That's out of concern for the women populace. Whatever it is, he did well because he's very

careful because this does not condone abortion and it views men and women as equals when it

comes to making decisions regarding reproductive health, which is new because the men are

usually considered the leader when making such decisions. Family planning is really the core of

the bill because we have very inadequate resources to support our population. It will be hard to

raise our children as responsible adults. For me it is a no-brainer, this matter.



I think the authors have done well. They covered a lot of essential grounds. I mean this for both

the house and senate version, although they are almost the same.



I think education is the key. Ignorance can really drag us down. When I was starting my practice

in Morong, Rizal, there was a hospital there, Morong General. It used to be under the DOH, but

the local government now handles it. I used to practice there and talagang malungkot. May tatay

na nanganak ‘yung asawa. Nanganak ‘yung nanay eh wala namang pera. Medyo mag-isip ka

naman. Diskarte mo 'yan eh. Nakakalungkot ‘yung kamang-mangan. So education is the key. It's

really sad kasi ‘yung mga legislators natin mas gusto ‘yung hindi masyadong marunong kasi

kapag masyadong matalino mahirap bilhin yung boto.

28

INTERVIEW Q&A

(Continued…)

Interviewee

(Resource Person)


O.B. Gynecologist







their efforts in support of the Reproductive Health Bill so that it satisfies the needs & addresses all

the issues of those involved? Why so?

Oh yes, definitely. I think the RH Bill will be effective. Kaya lang, even at this stage, I think it is

approached as disciplinary. Look at all our Asian economies, China, Malaysia. They are all Tiger

economies. Ano na tayo? Sa bagay, kung may krisis naman okay lang sanay naman tayo eh.



I think the enforcement of the government is the best way to implement it. Unfortunately, the

local government is a barrier dahil iba ang thinking nila. It's like their own kingdom, sa

governor, mayor. Kung may funds man diyan, hindi natin masabi. So I think the government

should take the initiative. Some say why do we need to allot a portion of the budget kasi dati na

daw natin ginagawa ‘yun. Ang problema kasi we used to rely on the US for all these free

paraphernalia (pills, IV, condoms), but Bush stopped funding with regards to contraception so

wala na tayong funding dun. So now the government really has to allot a portion. But there's so

many people against it. Maybe because it recognizes equality among the sexes? We're just asking

for the women's issues to get true attention.

6. Having experience in Morong, Rizal, what do you think is the best way to impart to

them the knowledge on the RH Bill? Classroom learning, brochures, etc.?

I think all of those will help. It's like grassroots level. The barangay should educate them. Maybe

hold some seminars. The women will be receptive dahil kahit sila gusto nila magbawas o ayaw

na ng anak. Of course they will have sex, that's part of marriage. That's why the term "sex is only

for procreation," that's unrealistic, but how about the human needs? That's a basic human need.

29

INTERVIEW Q&A

(Continued…)

Interviewee

(Resource Person)


O.B. Gynecologist






7. Throughout your years as an ob gyne, what are the top three things you wish your

patients knew in relation to the RH Bill, contraception, and being responsible about it?

I wish they would know their menstrual cycle very well so that they would know whether they

are fertile or not. I wish they would realize that there are many methods they can use to help

them space their children or prevent pregnancy because they are not yet ready. Alam mo yung

"Maria Clara" hindi na 'yan uso kasi papasok yung pasyente ko tatanungin ko kung ready ka na

ba mabuntis? Hindi pa? Eh hindi pa pala eh. People sleep around, that's a reality. You might as

well protect yourself. Use condoms, make your partner use a condom. I want them also to realize

that saying no to sex is alright.

– END –

30

Kookie Ablaza


Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin

INDIVIDUAL REFLECTIONS

What strategies have you use to help you in your own learnings?

I have done plenty of research and reading about the RH Bill. I have interviewed

numerous people regarding the controversial topic. I also conducted a verbal survey with average

Filipino citizens. My findings were quite conclusive, but it was competitive, nearly a fifty-fifty

split on opinions. It was stressful looking for individual respondents, but nonetheless rewarding

to know the general view of the public, although the poll was rather unable to provide me with a

sense of definitiveness.

The interviews were conducted by my group mates and I. We had a lengthy discussion

with an OB-GYN and her response was detailed regarding the issue. I also conducted personal

interviews with other knowledgeable respondents, and they all gave their outlook on the topic. I

thought that the surveys helped our cause the most.

31

Margarita Arbis



Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin


In this synthesis class, I have learned a lot of things. First, teamwork plays an

essential role in making the best projects. Though it is hard to delegate a certain time which

everybody can comply with, it is imperative to let all members know that you have to meet a

certain deadline. Also, the best ideas come from brainstormed opinions. It is always refreshing to

hear somebody else's view. There are also times when not all of your ideas will be the same, so

you have to play the game well. Second, I learned that time is really always of the essence. Time

is so precious that one cannot afford to waste it. There are times when I just wanted to be

irresponsible, but realizing that others are also counting on me makes it impossible. During the

break, I could have already researched but I chose not to. I do not know if that's a good or bad

idea. I had to play well with time because I have my individual thesis, feasibility study, and

synthesis all at the same time. Take into account the fact that I have two brothers I need to take

care especially because both my parents are away. I could also not forsake my social life because

I have to find the balance in everything. I learned that I could make it as long as I delegate ample

time to the tasks at hand.

One of my weaknesses is procrastinating. If there's something bad I'm good at, it's

delaying what needs to be done. I have proven that numerous times during this synthesis. I am

also late with every appointment and every class I have. Some might even think I enjoy being

late, but I don't. I hate it to my bones. It's like a smoking but at the same time hating it. I honestly

want to be on time, but I really love to sleep. But due to my very hectic schedule this 4th year.

There are nights when sleep becomes a luxury.

One of my strengths is being a leader. I may not be bossy and strict, but I know I

can lead when I want to. I still do not fully realize the enormity of being a leader but I have this

certain persuasiveness that I know a leader needs. I also have visions but sadly I do not always

have the will to perform.

I think the point of having too many things to do at the same time is revealing

itself to me by letting me be more responsible and involved. Before, I only did what I wanted to

and cared a little for anything else. But now I realized that that cannot always be the case, lest I

want to be a nobody. No one can be too lucky by having the good things in life without shedding

sweat and tears. Also, I think I'm God's favorite because he never made my life miserable. He

always lets me experience something sad first then with His divine intervention, I am always

able to recover.

32

Agnes Aserit

BSIT


Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin


1. What skills and values did you demonstrate while undergoing your PBL? Cite example/s.

I learned the value of time through this session. I learned that every second

counts. We should not waste time, and we should work double time. I also learned

to be initiative at all times. Not all the time that each member can remind us on

what our task suppose to be. And the last is the value of communication, without

communication we won’t be able to discuss all our concerns with each other.

2. If you would undergo a PBL again, what would you do differently? Why?

Actually, I would rather have this session again, because the topic fascinates me a

lot. I love how the Government’s decisions contradict with the other. I love

discussing matters that really needs to be discussed, and at the same time I do get

to know a lot about the said topic.

3. What difficulties/problems did you encounter while doing your PBL? How did you

overcome/solve your difficulties/problems?

I didn’t encounter any problems that much while I was doing my PBL. The only

problem that I had was the schedules of my course subjects and the schedule of

the Synthesis and our unsupervised meetings. Though we don’t meet a lot, but we

still talk and discuss our topics through the Social networks that we each have.

And for me, what I did to solve this problem is that I learned to adjust with both

my schedule and my synthesis and unsupervised meetings. It is hard at first, but at

the end of the day I make sure that I did both my roles for each part.

33

Grich De Vera



Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin


1. What skills and values did you demonstrate while undergoing your PBL? Cite example/s.

While my team was going through the Problem Based Learning process, I was

able to demonstrate my sense of leadership and organization. I rendered assistance

and support to my team leader by providing direction to the team’s individual and

overall efforts and by designing a systematic approach to coming up with a

solution to the problem trigger presented to us.

More specifically, I aided in the division of labor among my team members. By

having them point out their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, expertise, depth

of knowledge, and capabilities, I was able to assign them with duties, tasks, and

responsibilities they would be passionate about and truly determined to work on.

After which, I also tracked and monitored the progress of each assignment and

organized a schedule or timeline for us to work around with so we could

accomplish all our deliverables on schedule.

2. If you would undergo a PBL again, what would you do differently? Why?

If I were given the opportunity to go through a Problem Based Learning

experience again, I would conduct more face-to-face, one-on-one, real-time

interviews with a wider variety of resource persons. Although the knowledge I

could gather from published articles, various forms of media, and the World Wide

Web is profound, the candid and genuine sharing of knowledge, expertise, and

experience from people who are directly affected, concerned, and influenced by

the subject matter revolving around the problem trigger, provides me with a

deeper understanding, clearer perspective, and better appreciation of all the

theoretical information I could get from the written word.

3. What difficulties/problems did you encounter while doing your PBL? How did you

overcome/solve your difficulties/problems?

During the course of my team’s Problem Based Learning process, we definitely

had a bit of a challenge in getting resource persons to interview. Because of the

time constraint on our part, proximity of location, and conflicting schedules, it

was not an easy feat. However, because of teamwork and the determination of

each team member to make the interviews happen, they did. All of us, without

exception, participated in either coming up with the interview questions, finding

the resource persons, coordinating with them, conducting the interview, or

recording the sessions all throughout.

34

Jelly Ann Limos

BFA4VDC – Student No. 0811267


Sem)

Prof. Raul Llorin


1. What Insight did you gain?

The government wants to pass the Reproductive Health Bill to solve

poverty and rapid growth of the population. Unfortunately, population is not the

main problem why the poverty is main stream in our economy. Corruption is the

number one enemy of our poor economy. If our trusted leaders would just be

responsible and honest enough to allocate the proper budget for each sector then

the community might afford to have a proper funding for building homes, proper

education and many more.

This research runs through my imagination very well and I wonder that

there are influential people behind RH bill, and they are only using RH Bill to

cover up whatever anomalies and immoral act they are doing. No wonder why

people from different sectors argue with this bill because it has so many branches

to be discussed and there are offensive secrets that might be talk about.

Reproductive Health Bill is really controversial.

2. Strength and Weakness

This research gave me a realization that I have a good faith with the

Supreme Being. No matter what the online sources say about “Why this bill

should be pass” I still strongly agree with the idea of the church by not

patronizing RH Bill because in a several means it is considered as an immoral act.

In fact, I just realized that women should disgust RH Bill because this bill

might just tolerate some men by using women for their sexual pleasure. And if

you’re a woman you should not let men use you for their advantage, women

should have a big respect with their body and especially with their self.

In some point, I know that I am being close-minded when it comes to adopting

new ideas from different modern sources. However, I sincerely listen and respect

with the idea of the community, government, private sectors and the church but I

only pay attention to what is more favorable with my beliefs.

35

ORAL PRESENTATION / SLIDE SHOW

36

37

Documents

Reproductive Health Bill HB 5043 - A PBL Approach to Educating the Community