In a “macho culture” where the concept of family planning responsibility is usually passed to women, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) seeks responsible men to be like Drew Arellano.

On Tuesday, the popular television host went viral on social media over his decision to undergo vasectomy— which was posted in his Instagram through a photo of him in a hospital gown with a message interpreted as his “late and advanced Mother’s Day” gift to his wife, actress Iya Villania.

The couple has had five children since their marriage in 2014, the fifth child was born in February this year.

In the CPD data, Arellano is among the 0.1 percent of Filipino men who accepted  no-scalpel vasectomy as their own share to family planning—which the agency said is proof of the low level of participation of males in family planning.

“The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) lauds Mr. Drew Arellano, a television personality, for receiving vasectomy as his manifestation of love and appreciation for his spouse and family,” said CPD executive director Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales.

“This gesture strongly exemplifies responsible parenthood and family planning as promoted by the CPD.”

“We need more men like Mr. Arellano to encourage men to assume greater responsibility in ensuring the wellbeing of their partner and their children through responsible parenthood and family planning,” added Bersales.

Female-centric 

While the CPD data shows advances in the use of family planning, Bersales said it I mostly women who use the modern methods of family planning.

The latest data disclosed that 8.6 million Filipino women use modern methods of family planning, which is higher than the 8.3 million recorded in 2022.

On the part of their male counterparts, the CPD modern family planning method is very low.

Even the use of condom, according to CPD data, is not that accepted as current users of male condoms is only at 1.6%.  

Bersales emphasized that family planning is a shared responsibility. 

Who’s next?

The CPD is calling for more male participation through actual access to family planning services as it emphasized that family planning is a shared responsibility. 

Currently, Bersales said the CPD is promoting the KATROPA – Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya enjoin men to give a higher level of care for their wives or partner.  

“Pursuing responsible parenthood and family planning (RPFP) leads to enabled competence in investing in the education and health of family members. In the long run, this productive function may result in improved socioeconomic conditions in the present and in the long run,” said Bersales. 

“Through our flagship program for men ‘KATROPA,’ we enjoin men to give a higher level of care for their wives or partners, aside from being more concerned in the holistic growth of their children, and involving themselves deeper in the overall welfare of their families,” she added.