Pasidungog 2024: Zamboanga Peninsula Celebrates Five Years of Milestones in Sexual Health and Empowerment

Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur— The Sexual Health and Empowerment (SHE) project marked its culmination in the Zamboanga Peninsula with a close-out event, Pasidungog 2024,  held on September 5, 2024, at Chandler Suites in Pagadian City. The event highlighted the success and progress made in advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention in the region over the past five years.

Pasidungog, a Visayan term meaning “to honor,” celebrated the collaborative efforts of local government units (LGUs), civil society organizations (CSOs), regional health offices, and community partners in promoting accessible and gender-responsive FP services, SRHR education, and GBV prevention initiatives. In Zamboanga Peninsula, the project emphasized the importance of Family Planning in the promotion of SRHR and GBV prevention as critical to the health and well-being of families and communities.

The SHE project, funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and led by Oxfam, with Jhpiego as a technical partner, focused on improving SRHR for women and girls in six underserved and conflict-affected regions of the Philippines.

“The SHE project has been instrumental in strengthening our Family Planning and SRHR services. Through this partnership, we have been able to reach more families, providing them with the tools and information they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Aside from Family Planning, the promotion of SRHR and GBV prevention has brought significant improvements to our communities. We are honored to be part of this important journey and remain committed to continuing these initiatives for the betterment of our people,” said Dr. Francis Louis Alcachupas, Chief Technical Health Officer of the Provincial Health Office of Zamboanga del Sur.

Throughout the duration of the SHE project, a collaborative effort was made to enhance the capacity of public health systems in Zamboanga Peninsula, improving access to FP, SRHR services, and GBV prevention measures and addressing the specific needs of the region’s most vulnerable populations.

“The progress we have made in advancing Family Planning, SRHR, and GBV prevention in the Zamboanga Peninsula is a testament to the dedication of our health workers, local leaders, and community partners. Together, we have created a lasting impact, ensuring that women and girls can access the quality health services and protection they deserve. As we close this chapter, Jhpiego reaffirms its commitment to supporting sustainable, community-driven health initiatives that prioritize the rights and needs of women and girls,” remarked Dr. Ingrid Magnata, Country Program Manager for Jhpiego Philippines.

“The SHE project has been a pivotal force in our region, advancing Family Planning, SRHR, and GBV prevention. We are committed to sustaining these initiatives and building on the progress made to ensure a healthier and more equitable future for everyone in Zamboanga Peninsula,” added Rachaela Maruhom, Regional Coordinator for Zamboanga Peninsula.

The event also featured statements of support from key regional leaders and partners.

“The success of the SHE project in Family Planning and SRHR has laid a solid foundation for our region. Aside from improving access to FP services, the project has also brought much-needed awareness to GBV prevention. Moving forward, we are confident that the systems in place will continue to support the reproductive health needs of our communities, particularly women and girls, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all,” emphasized Chrystal Jean Dela Cerna, Nutrition Program Manager of CHD-DOH Region 9.

“The partnership with SHE has empowered us to integrate Family Planning, SRHR promotion, and GBV prevention into our municipal health programs more effectively. We have seen firsthand the benefits this brings to our people, and we are committed to maintaining these services as a priority in our health agenda,” said Romeo Cervo, SB on Health for the Municipality of Buug.

“The SHE project has brought significant improvements not only to our Family Planning services but also to the promotion of SRHR and GBV prevention in our community. The knowledge and resources shared with us have had a lasting impact, and we will continue to build on these efforts to ensure everyone has access to essential reproductive health care and support,” added April Suzette Exile, Municipal Health Officer of the Municipality of Dimataling.

Pasidungog 2024 concluded with renewed commitments from local health officers, LGUs, and community partners to sustain and expand the Family Planning initiatives that have transformed lives across the Zamboanga Peninsula.

The Zamboanga Peninsula close-out event is part of a series of regional celebrations marking the completion of the SHE project, which has been implemented in other regions, including Northern Mindanao, Eastern Visayas, BARMM, CARAGA, and the Bicol Region.

Photo credits to Geri Matthew Carretero, Jhpiego