Magdamayan: strategy for a rural family planning program (the FPOP model)
Eduarte, R.D.
Fpop Bulletin 8(3): 2-3
1976
PMID: 12259342 Document Number: 355049
The limitations of the old operational approach of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) and the main features of a new plan to answer the needs of the new situation are discussed. Before the new strategy the characteristics of the FPOP were: 1) urban-based and -oriented, 2) clinic-oriented, 3) acceptor-oriented, 4) undefined target, 5) wide coverage, and 6) emphasis on medical and clinical services. The national profile indicates that acceptors are living only 2 km from the clinics, already have 4 or more children, and are switching to less effective methods. 70% of the eligibles out of the 42.5 million living in the Philippines live in rural areas, and only 13% of them are practicing family planning. The FPOP has decided upon a new strategy primarily focused on the rural population with particular emphasis on men and youth. There will also be a concentration on couples who have no children and those who have 1-3 children. The program emphasis will be on information, education, and communication. The Magdamayan strategy of operations was developed with the following goals: 1) to reach the majority of the adults to increase their knowledge of family planning, 2) to develop a group of core couple and youth volunteers to carry out activities to sustain interests of the people, and 3) to enlist as many new and continuing acceptors as possible.