In celebration of National Family Planning Month, the City Government of Iriga, through its City Health Office (CHO), in partnership with the Department of Health Bicol - Center for Health Development, the Provincial Health Office (PHO), and other partner agencies, conducted the Family Planning Caravan on August 28, 2026, at the Iriga City Sports Center.

Held under the theme "Panalo ang Pamilyang Planado! Tara, Usap Tayo sa Family Planning," the event benefited hundreds of Irigueños, particularly women of reproductive age (15–49 years old) and their partners.

The caravan featured a series of lectures on the various family planning methods — natural, short-acting, long-acting, and permanent — along with their benefits and importance. 

Participants also had access to a full range of reproductive health services, including condom distribution, oral contraceptive pills, injectable contraceptive (DMPA), implant insertion and removal, intrauterine device (IUD) insertion, referrals for bilateral tubal ligation and no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV), family planning counseling, HIV screening, and PhilHealth Konsulta membership queries under the PhilHealth YAKAP program.

According to April Kristine Turiano, RN, Family Planning Coordinator of CHO Iriga, family planning plays a vital role in helping couples plan for their children, determine how many they want to have, and ensure proper spacing between pregnancies.

“Medyo na-overwhelm po kami kasi usually ‘yung stigma ng family planning is for women only. Pero meron tayong mga nakita na mga male partners, and at the same time, 'yung iba po nating mga guests ay mga male, nag-avail din po sila ng mga commodities,” she said. 

Janen Marmol, 33, a resident of San Isidro, Iriga City, attended the caravan to have her existing contraceptive implant removed and replaced. A mother of four, she shared she prefers the implant because it is convenient, lasts up to three years, and suits her body well. This was already her third time having the implant inserted.

For Marmol, family planning is especially important for families facing financial challenges. “Thankful [ako] kasi sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, lalo na 'pag katulad namin na naka-implant. Alam ko po kasing pricey. Nagpapasalamat po kami sa Family Planning Caravan, tapos libre na po siya, 'yung sa mga vitamins pa—lahat."

Meanwhile, Irene Tabumpama, 31, of Santiago, Iriga City, availed of the injectable contraceptive (DMPA). A mother of five whose youngest is eight months old, she chose contraception for her growing family and plans to switch to an implant later on, as her busy schedule as a mother makes it difficult to keep up with regular injections.

"Nag-injectable na din po ako last 2015 po, na [tigil] lang din siya. Medyo mahirap po kasi 'yung buhay ngayon, kaya nag-decide na po ako na mag-family planning," she said.

The caravan aims to bring family planning services and education directly to communities, helping residents access contraceptive options, make informed reproductive health decisions, and support maternal and child well-being as part of broader community development efforts.