BIBLIOGRAPHY PAGAO, CHARLES W. ...
BIBLIOGRAPHY
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012. Perception of married women in
Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health
and Population Development Act of 2011. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Hilario C. Perez, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in June 2012 at Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City with the
following objectives: to determine the socio-demographic profile of the respondents; to
determine the perception and knowledge of married women regarding the RH Bill; and to
determine the perceived problems that may arise upon the enactment of the RH Bill.
A total of 50 women from Bakakeng Norte were the respondents. Most of the
respondents were relatively young and were able to reach tertiary level. Though, most of
them were unemployed. Majority of them are Roman Catholic, Kankanaey and had a small
number of children (1 to 4) even though being married from one (1) to nine (9) years. This
implies that they had the freedom to decide in planning for their family.
Majority of the respondents are aware of the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive
Health and Population Development Act and were willing to support the Bill but they do
not have enough knowledge and information. Their religion and cultural belief do not
influence their point of view and belief regarding the Bill. They were able to sustain the
needs of their family and they believed that the Bill would promote gender equality, equity
and women’s empowerment in terms of health and human rights; it would provide
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
necessary reproductive health care needs; it would eliminate discrimination against
women; the state and their religion would not dictate on how they plan their own families;
access to health care services would prevent reproductive tract cancers; it would avoid
unwanted pregnancy; and it would promote breast feeding. They claimed that the Bill is
anti-abortion and pro-life; that it would promote family planning; it would address health
care needs of their families; it would provide better education for their children; it would
improve their standard of living; and would provide basic needs for their families. They
believed that there should be an appropriate mandatory age for sex education. They also
believed that the passage of the bill would enable newlywed couples to decide the number
of children they desire; that it would help alleviate the growing population in our country;
that it would help parents become more responsible in raising their children; that it would
give women specially the poor access to information regarding health and pregnancy
issues; and that it would eliminate poverty. They also believed that sexual act would be
properly exercised within marriage only with the passage of the bill.
With regards to the problems that might arise, the respondents disagreed that the
state should dictate on how they should plan for their family. They agreed that it would
increase incidence of premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy and that it might encourage
couples to have multiple partners. The respondents agreed that the use of contraceptives
may have undesirable effects, contraceptives would be accessible to young men and
women and there would be a proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. They disagreed
that conflict between the Church and the Government that the Bill would be a major
attack on authentic human values.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
Table 1 shows that a greater number (42%) of the respondents were 20 to 30 years
old and only a few (22%) were 41 to 62 years old. This indicates that majority of the
respondents were relatively young. Majority of the respondents (58%) were able to reach
Tertiary level and only 4% of them reached Primary level. This indicates that all the
respondents are literate and could easily understand the Reproductive Health Care Bill.
As shown in Table 1, the respondents were unemployed (64%). Majority are
Roman Catholics (64%); (66%) were kankanaey (66%); and with one (1) to four (4)
children. Sixty percent (60%) of the respondents are married from one (1) to nine (9) years.
Table 1. Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
INFORMATION
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
(F)
(%)
Age
20-30
21
42
31-40
18
36
41 to 62
11
22
TOTAL
50
100
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 1 continued…
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
INFORMATION
(F)
(%)
Educational Attainment
Primary Level
2
4
Secondary Level
19
38
Tertiary Level
29
58
TOTAL
50
100
Occupation
Unemployed
32
64
Employed
18
36
TOTAL
50
100
Religion
Roman Catholic
34
68
Others (Anglican, Jehova,
Born Again, Lutheran,
Iglesia Ni Cristo, Baptist)
16
32
TOTAL
50
100
Ethnicity
Kankanaey
33
66
Others (Cebuano, Zambal,
Ilonggo)
10
20
Ilokano
3
6
Tagalog
2
4
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 1 continued…
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
INFORMATION
(F)
(%)
Ethnicity
Ibaloi
2
4
TOTAL
50
100
No. of Children
1-4
38
76
5-7
6
12
8-10
6
12
TOTAL
50
100
No. of Years Married
1-9
30
60
10 to 39
20
40
TOTAL
50
100
Perception and Knowledge of the Respondents on the RH Bill
Table 2 shows the perception and knowledge of the respondent regarding the RH
Bill. Majority (88%) of the respondents were aware of the Responsible Parenthood,
Reproductive Health and Population Development Act, only 12% of them claimed that
they were not aware of the Bill.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Eighty four percent (84%) of the respondents were willing to support the Bill in the
study area while 58% of them claimed that they do not have enough knowledge or
information about it.
In relation with the religion and cultural belief of the respondents, 66% said that it
did not influence their point of view and belief regarding the Bill as claimed by 68% of
them. Furthermore, 62% of the respondents could still be able to sustain their family needs.
Majority of the respondents (92%) believed that the Bill would promote gender
equality, equity and women’s empowerment in terms of health and human rights. Also, it
would be able to provide the necessary needs among women (94%), discrimination against
women would be eliminated as noted by 54% of the respondents. 88%, they believed that
the state or their religion would not dictate on how the couples will plan their own families.
The Table 2 also shows that accordingly, they believed that access to health care
services will prevent and manage reproductive tract cancers like breast and cervical cancer
(88%), that unwanted pregnancies among women should be avoided (84%) and that breast
feeding should be promoted (90%) as stated in the Bill. Majority (80%) of the respondents
agreed that the RH Bill is anti-abortion, pro-life (84%), it would promote family planning
(90%), it would address health care needs of their families (82%), it would provide better
education for their children (88%), it would also improve their standard of living (72%),
and would provide the basic needs for their families (62%).
Moreover as shown in table 2, 82% of the respondents agreed that there should be
an appropriate mandatory age for sex education. The majority of the respondents (80%)
believe that the bill would enable newlywed couples to decide the number of children they
desire; that it would help alleviate the growing population in our country (86%); that it
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
would help parents to become more responsible in raising their children (84%) because
according to them having less number of children, they are able to focus on providing the
proper care and needs of their children; that it would help women especially the poor in
accessing information regarding their health and pregnancy issues (84%); and that it would
help eliminate poverty (62%). 52% of the respondents also claimed that sexual act would
be properly exercised within marriage only if the bill will be passed.
As shown in the same table, fifty four percent (54%) practiced natural birth control
and forty six percent (46%) practiced artificial birth control. The respondents are amenable
with the two (2) child policy (68%) because according to them, they are able to sustain and
support the needs of their children. Unlike having many children, they said that it is very
difficult.
Table 2 implies that the RH Bill is family centered and that the respondents have
the freedom to decide whether to follow the RH Bill or not concerning their reproductive
health.
Table 2. Perception and Knowledge of the Respondents on the RH Bill
INFORMATION
YES No
(F) (%) (F) (%)
Are you aware of the Responsible Parenthood, 44
6 88 12
Reproductive Health and Population
Development Act (RH Bill)?
Do you support the Bill? 42 8 84 16
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 2 continued...
INFORMATION
YES
No
(F) (%) (F) (%)
Do you have enough information about the Bill? 21 29 42 58
Your religion and cultural belief has an influence
on your viewpoint towards RH Bill?
17 33 34 66
Does your religion and cultural belief
contradict your belief regarding the Bill?
16 34 32 68
With your current occupation are you able
to sustain the needs of your family?
31 19 62 38
The Bill will promote gender equality, equity
and women’s empowerment in terms of health
and human rights?
46 4 92 8
The Bill will be able to provide the necessary
reproductive health care needs among women?
47 3 94 6
Discrimination against women will be
eliminated when the bill is amended?
27 23 54 46
Freedom of choice among couples to
plan their families will not be dictated
to by the state or your religion
43 7 86 14
Do you agree that access to health care services will
prevent and manage reproductive tract cancers
like breast and cervical cancer?
44 88 6
12
Unwanted pregnancies among women will
be avoided?
42 84 8 16
Promotion of the Bill regarding Breastfeeding? 45 90 5 10
The Bill is Anti-Abortion? 40 80 10 20
The Bill is Pro-Life 42 84 8 16
The Bill will promote family planning?
46 96 4 8
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 2 continued...
INFORMATION
YES
No
(F) (%) (F) (%)
The Bill will provide better education for your
children?
44 88 6 12
The Bill will improve your standard of life? 36 72 14 24
The Bill will provide basic needs for your 33 66 17 34
family?
There shall be a mandatory age-appropriate
reproductive health and sexuality education?
41 82 9 18
The Bill will enable newlywed couples,
individuals and women to have the number
of children they desire?
40 80
10
20
The Bill will help alleviate the growing
Population in our country?
43 86
7
14
The Bill will improve your quality of life? 38 66 12 24
Parents will become more responsible in raising
their children?
42 84 8 16
The Bill will help women especially the poor
ones get access to the right information on
their health and pregnancy issues?
42 84 8 16
The Bill will eliminate poverty? 31 62 19 38
Upon the enactment of the Bill, sexual act
would be properly exercised within marriage only? 26 52 24 48
Do you use Natural Birth Control?
27 54
23
46
Do you use Artificial Birth Control?
23 46
27
54
Are you amenable with the two child policy?
34 68 16 32
*Multiple responses
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Problems that May Arise Upon the Enactment of the RH Bill
As shown in Table 3, majority (82%) of the respondents disagreed that the state
should dictate on how couples should plan for their family; 74% agreed that it would
increase unwanted pregnancy because of the increase incidence of premarital sex; 70%
agreed that it would increase the incidence of premarital sex because there are no limits on
the access of contraceptives; 66% of the respondents agreed that the use of contraceptives
might have undesirable effects; 66% of them disagreed that it may encourage couples to
have multiple partners; 58% agreed that contraceptives would be accessible to young men
and women and there would be a proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. Majority of the
respondents (58%) disagreed that conflict between the Church and Government might
arise; Also 52%, had disagreed to the problem that it will be a major attack on authentic
human values.
Table 3. Problems that May Arise Upon the Enactment of the RH Bill
AGREE
DISAGREE
PROBLEM
(F)
(%)
(F)
(%)
The state will dictate on how couples
should plan their family.
9 18 41 82
It would be a major attack on authentic
human values as well as to Filipino cultural values. 24 48 26 52
It would increase the incidence
of premarital sex.
35 70
15
30
It would increase unwanted pregnancies
among women.
37 74 13
26
Accessibility of contraceptives among
young men and women.
29 58 21
42
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 3 continued...
AGREE
DISAGREE
PROBLEM
(F)
(%)
(F)
(%)
Proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. 29 58 21 42
The use of contraceptives may have undesirable side 33 66 17 34
Effects on women.
It may encourage couples to have multiple partners. 17 34 33
66
Conflict between the Church and Government 21 42
29
58
may arise.
*Multiple responses
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study on the perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City
towards the responsible parenthood, reproductive health and population development act
of 2011 was conducted to determine the socio-demographic profile of the respondents,
determine the perception and knowledge of married women regarding the RH Bill, and to
determine the problems that may arise upon the enactment of the RH Bill.
Fifty respondents from the Barangay of Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City were considered as
respondents of the study.
The results indicate that the respondents were relatively young, all literates, and
unemployed. Majority are Roman Catholics, Kankanaey and with one (1) to four (4)
children. They had been married from 1 to 9 years and were practicing both natural and
artificial birth control where they used contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and intra uterine
device (IUD). Their ideal family size was 3 and they supported the two child policy.
With regards to the perception and knowledge, the respondents were aware of the
Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act and were
willing to support the Bill but they do not have enough knowledge and information about
it. Their religion and cultural belief do not influence their point of view and did not
contradict their belief regarding the Bill. They were able to sustain their family needs. They
believed that the Bill would promote gender equality, equity and women’s empowerment
in terms of health and human rights; it would provide necessary reproductive health care
needs; it would eliminate discrimination against women; the state and their religion would
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
not dictate on how they plan their own families; access to health care services will prevent
reproductive tract cancers; it would avoid unwanted pregnancy; and it would promote
breast feeding. They claimed that the Bill is anti-abortion and pro-life, that it would
promote family planning, it would address health care needs of their families, it would
provide better education for their children, it would improve their standard of living, and it
would provide basic needs for their families. They believed that there should be an
appropriate mandatory age for sex education. They also believed that the passage of the
bill would enable newlywed couples and individual women to have the number of children
they desire; that it would help alleviate the growing population in our country; that it would
help parents become more responsible in raising their children; that it would give women
specially the poor access to information regarding health and pregnancy issues; and that it
would eliminate poverty. They also believed that sexual act would be properly exercised
within marriage only with the passage of the bill.
With regards to the problems, the respondents disagreed that the state should dictate
on how they should plan for their family. They agreed that it would increase incidence of
premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy. They also disagreed that it might encourage
couples to have multiple partners. The respondents agreed that the use of contraceptives
may have undesirable effects, contraceptives would be accessible to young men and
women and there would be a proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. They disagreed
that conflict between the Church and the Government would arise and that the Bill would
be a major attack on authentic human values.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions are derived:
1. The respondents are aware of the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health
and Population Development Act but they do not have enough knowledge and information
about it. They are willing to support the Bill although most of them practice natural birth
control;
2. The respondents are willing to support the bill and they believe that the RH Bill
is family centered, that it is anti-abortion and pro-life. They also believed that it would
promote gender equality and family planning; and,
3. The respondents agreed that there are certain problems that might arise upon the
enactment of the Bill. This includes; accessibility of contraceptives among young men and
women, proliferation of the sale of contraceptives and use of contraceptives might have
undesirable side effects on women.
Recommendations
Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations are derived:
1. Female residents of Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City that were married should
undergo thoroughly seminars and forums regarding the Responsible Parenthood,
Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011;
2. Local Government Units should conduct information dissemination regarding
the RH Bill in coordination with the Rural Health Unit within the Barangay of Bakakeng
Norte, Baguio City; and,
3. The respondents are encouraged to read more articles about the Bill, to watch
and listen on certain issues to further increase their understanding and belief regarding the
RH Bill.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
LITERATURE CITED
BUSAM, V. 1995 Overpopulation: The World’s Problem. Retrieved 2012 from
http://sixpak.org/vince/overpopulation.html.
CADAY, S. Y. 2011. Reproductive Health Bill Pro-Stance. Retrieved February, 2011 from
http://www.oppapapers.com.
DANGUILAN, M. J 1996. On Women’s Health: Beyond Reproduction. Center for Media
Freedom and Responsibility. P. 4.
HERRIN, A. N. 2002. Population Policy in the Philippines, 1969 2002. Philippine
Institute for Development Studies (Surian sa mga Pag-aaral Pangkaunlaran ng
Pilipinas).
Retrieved
July,
2002
from
http://dirp3.pids.gov.ph/ris/pdf/pidsdps0208.pdf.
LIAN, M. A. 2011 Definitely Filipino Alternative To Government-backed and West-
inspired
Sex
Education .
June,
2011
from
http://definitelyfilipino.com/blog/2011/06/07/a-definitely-filipino-alternative-to-
government-backed-and-west-inspired-sex-education-2/.
MANGAHAS, M. 2009. Reproductive Health and Freedom to Choose. Philippine Daily
Inquirer. Retrieved August, 2011 from http://opinion.inquirer.net.
PANGALANAN, E. 2010. Sexuality and Reproductive Health Rights: a situationer in the
Philippines. Retrieved August, 2010 from www.thepoc.net/blogwatch-
features/9379-reproductive-health-bill-situationer.html.
PERNIA, M. and A. ORBETA. 2004. Population Growth and Economic Development in
the Philippines: What Has Been the Experience and What Must Be Done? P. 11.
SILLIMAN, J., M. G. FRIED, L. ROSS, E. GUTIERREZ. 2004. Undivided Rights:
Women of Color Organizing For Reproductive Justice. Chapter I. P. 1-24.
SIMONETTA, J. R. 2009. Seven words that can change the World. Retrieved February,
2009 from http://www.sevenwords.org/human-overpopulation-causes-effects-and-
solutions/.
YAPCHIONGCO, R. R. 2009. The Reproductive Health Bill Fracas. Retreived January,
2011
from
http://www.thepoc.net/year-in-pocus-commentary/10810-the-
reproductive-health-bill-fracas.html.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012. Perception of married women in
Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health
and Population Development Act of 2011. Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Benguet.
Adviser: Hilario C. Perez, MSc.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted in June 2012 at Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City with the
following objectives: to determine the socio-demographic profile of the respondents; to
determine the perception and knowledge of married women regarding the RH Bill; and to
determine the perceived problems that may arise upon the enactment of the RH Bill.
A total of 50 women from Bakakeng Norte were the respondents. Most of the
respondents were relatively young and were able to reach tertiary level. Though, most of
them were unemployed. Majority of them are Roman Catholic, Kankanaey and had a small
number of children (1 to 4) even though being married from one (1) to nine (9) years. This
implies that they had the freedom to decide in planning for their family.
Majority of the respondents are aware of the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive
Health and Population Development Act and were willing to support the Bill but they do
not have enough knowledge and information. Their religion and cultural belief do not
influence their point of view and belief regarding the Bill. They were able to sustain the
needs of their family and they believed that the Bill would promote gender equality, equity
and women’s empowerment in terms of health and human rights; it would provide
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
necessary reproductive health care needs; it would eliminate discrimination against
women; the state and their religion would not dictate on how they plan their own families;
access to health care services would prevent reproductive tract cancers; it would avoid
unwanted pregnancy; and it would promote breast feeding. They claimed that the Bill is
anti-abortion and pro-life; that it would promote family planning; it would address health
care needs of their families; it would provide better education for their children; it would
improve their standard of living; and would provide basic needs for their families. They
believed that there should be an appropriate mandatory age for sex education. They also
believed that the passage of the bill would enable newlywed couples to decide the number
of children they desire; that it would help alleviate the growing population in our country;
that it would help parents become more responsible in raising their children; that it would
give women specially the poor access to information regarding health and pregnancy
issues; and that it would eliminate poverty. They also believed that sexual act would be
properly exercised within marriage only with the passage of the bill.
With regards to the problems that might arise, the respondents disagreed that the
state should dictate on how they should plan for their family. They agreed that it would
increase incidence of premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy and that it might encourage
couples to have multiple partners. The respondents agreed that the use of contraceptives
may have undesirable effects, contraceptives would be accessible to young men and
women and there would be a proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. They disagreed
that conflict between the Church and the Government that the Bill would be a major
attack on authentic human values.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
Table 1 shows that a greater number (42%) of the respondents were 20 to 30 years
old and only a few (22%) were 41 to 62 years old. This indicates that majority of the
respondents were relatively young. Majority of the respondents (58%) were able to reach
Tertiary level and only 4% of them reached Primary level. This indicates that all the
respondents are literate and could easily understand the Reproductive Health Care Bill.
As shown in Table 1, the respondents were unemployed (64%). Majority are
Roman Catholics (64%); (66%) were kankanaey (66%); and with one (1) to four (4)
children. Sixty percent (60%) of the respondents are married from one (1) to nine (9) years.
Table 1. Socio-Demographic Profile of the Respondents
INFORMATION
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
(F)
(%)
Age
20-30
21
42
31-40
18
36
41 to 62
11
22
TOTAL
50
100
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 1 continued…
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
INFORMATION
(F)
(%)
Educational Attainment
Primary Level
2
4
Secondary Level
19
38
Tertiary Level
29
58
TOTAL
50
100
Occupation
Unemployed
32
64
Employed
18
36
TOTAL
50
100
Religion
Roman Catholic
34
68
Others (Anglican, Jehova,
Born Again, Lutheran,
Iglesia Ni Cristo, Baptist)
16
32
TOTAL
50
100
Ethnicity
Kankanaey
33
66
Others (Cebuano, Zambal,
Ilonggo)
10
20
Ilokano
3
6
Tagalog
2
4
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 1 continued…
FREQUENCY
PERCENTAGE
INFORMATION
(F)
(%)
Ethnicity
Ibaloi
2
4
TOTAL
50
100
No. of Children
1-4
38
76
5-7
6
12
8-10
6
12
TOTAL
50
100
No. of Years Married
1-9
30
60
10 to 39
20
40
TOTAL
50
100
Perception and Knowledge of the Respondents on the RH Bill
Table 2 shows the perception and knowledge of the respondent regarding the RH
Bill. Majority (88%) of the respondents were aware of the Responsible Parenthood,
Reproductive Health and Population Development Act, only 12% of them claimed that
they were not aware of the Bill.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Eighty four percent (84%) of the respondents were willing to support the Bill in the
study area while 58% of them claimed that they do not have enough knowledge or
information about it.
In relation with the religion and cultural belief of the respondents, 66% said that it
did not influence their point of view and belief regarding the Bill as claimed by 68% of
them. Furthermore, 62% of the respondents could still be able to sustain their family needs.
Majority of the respondents (92%) believed that the Bill would promote gender
equality, equity and women’s empowerment in terms of health and human rights. Also, it
would be able to provide the necessary needs among women (94%), discrimination against
women would be eliminated as noted by 54% of the respondents. 88%, they believed that
the state or their religion would not dictate on how the couples will plan their own families.
The Table 2 also shows that accordingly, they believed that access to health care
services will prevent and manage reproductive tract cancers like breast and cervical cancer
(88%), that unwanted pregnancies among women should be avoided (84%) and that breast
feeding should be promoted (90%) as stated in the Bill. Majority (80%) of the respondents
agreed that the RH Bill is anti-abortion, pro-life (84%), it would promote family planning
(90%), it would address health care needs of their families (82%), it would provide better
education for their children (88%), it would also improve their standard of living (72%),
and would provide the basic needs for their families (62%).
Moreover as shown in table 2, 82% of the respondents agreed that there should be
an appropriate mandatory age for sex education. The majority of the respondents (80%)
believe that the bill would enable newlywed couples to decide the number of children they
desire; that it would help alleviate the growing population in our country (86%); that it
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
would help parents to become more responsible in raising their children (84%) because
according to them having less number of children, they are able to focus on providing the
proper care and needs of their children; that it would help women especially the poor in
accessing information regarding their health and pregnancy issues (84%); and that it would
help eliminate poverty (62%). 52% of the respondents also claimed that sexual act would
be properly exercised within marriage only if the bill will be passed.
As shown in the same table, fifty four percent (54%) practiced natural birth control
and forty six percent (46%) practiced artificial birth control. The respondents are amenable
with the two (2) child policy (68%) because according to them, they are able to sustain and
support the needs of their children. Unlike having many children, they said that it is very
difficult.
Table 2 implies that the RH Bill is family centered and that the respondents have
the freedom to decide whether to follow the RH Bill or not concerning their reproductive
health.
Table 2. Perception and Knowledge of the Respondents on the RH Bill
INFORMATION
YES No
(F) (%) (F) (%)
Are you aware of the Responsible Parenthood, 44
6 88 12
Reproductive Health and Population
Development Act (RH Bill)?
Do you support the Bill? 42 8 84 16
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 2 continued...
INFORMATION
YES
No
(F) (%) (F) (%)
Do you have enough information about the Bill? 21 29 42 58
Your religion and cultural belief has an influence
on your viewpoint towards RH Bill?
17 33 34 66
Does your religion and cultural belief
contradict your belief regarding the Bill?
16 34 32 68
With your current occupation are you able
to sustain the needs of your family?
31 19 62 38
The Bill will promote gender equality, equity
and women’s empowerment in terms of health
and human rights?
46 4 92 8
The Bill will be able to provide the necessary
reproductive health care needs among women?
47 3 94 6
Discrimination against women will be
eliminated when the bill is amended?
27 23 54 46
Freedom of choice among couples to
plan their families will not be dictated
to by the state or your religion
43 7 86 14
Do you agree that access to health care services will
prevent and manage reproductive tract cancers
like breast and cervical cancer?
44 88 6
12
Unwanted pregnancies among women will
be avoided?
42 84 8 16
Promotion of the Bill regarding Breastfeeding? 45 90 5 10
The Bill is Anti-Abortion? 40 80 10 20
The Bill is Pro-Life 42 84 8 16
The Bill will promote family planning?
46 96 4 8
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 2 continued...
INFORMATION
YES
No
(F) (%) (F) (%)
The Bill will provide better education for your
children?
44 88 6 12
The Bill will improve your standard of life? 36 72 14 24
The Bill will provide basic needs for your 33 66 17 34
family?
There shall be a mandatory age-appropriate
reproductive health and sexuality education?
41 82 9 18
The Bill will enable newlywed couples,
individuals and women to have the number
of children they desire?
40 80
10
20
The Bill will help alleviate the growing
Population in our country?
43 86
7
14
The Bill will improve your quality of life? 38 66 12 24
Parents will become more responsible in raising
their children?
42 84 8 16
The Bill will help women especially the poor
ones get access to the right information on
their health and pregnancy issues?
42 84 8 16
The Bill will eliminate poverty? 31 62 19 38
Upon the enactment of the Bill, sexual act
would be properly exercised within marriage only? 26 52 24 48
Do you use Natural Birth Control?
27 54
23
46
Do you use Artificial Birth Control?
23 46
27
54
Are you amenable with the two child policy?
34 68 16 32
*Multiple responses
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Problems that May Arise Upon the Enactment of the RH Bill
As shown in Table 3, majority (82%) of the respondents disagreed that the state
should dictate on how couples should plan for their family; 74% agreed that it would
increase unwanted pregnancy because of the increase incidence of premarital sex; 70%
agreed that it would increase the incidence of premarital sex because there are no limits on
the access of contraceptives; 66% of the respondents agreed that the use of contraceptives
might have undesirable effects; 66% of them disagreed that it may encourage couples to
have multiple partners; 58% agreed that contraceptives would be accessible to young men
and women and there would be a proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. Majority of the
respondents (58%) disagreed that conflict between the Church and Government might
arise; Also 52%, had disagreed to the problem that it will be a major attack on authentic
human values.
Table 3. Problems that May Arise Upon the Enactment of the RH Bill
AGREE
DISAGREE
PROBLEM
(F)
(%)
(F)
(%)
The state will dictate on how couples
should plan their family.
9 18 41 82
It would be a major attack on authentic
human values as well as to Filipino cultural values. 24 48 26 52
It would increase the incidence
of premarital sex.
35 70
15
30
It would increase unwanted pregnancies
among women.
37 74 13
26
Accessibility of contraceptives among
young men and women.
29 58 21
42
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Table 3 continued...
AGREE
DISAGREE
PROBLEM
(F)
(%)
(F)
(%)
Proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. 29 58 21 42
The use of contraceptives may have undesirable side 33 66 17 34
Effects on women.
It may encourage couples to have multiple partners. 17 34 33
66
Conflict between the Church and Government 21 42
29
58
may arise.
*Multiple responses
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
The study on the perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City
towards the responsible parenthood, reproductive health and population development act
of 2011 was conducted to determine the socio-demographic profile of the respondents,
determine the perception and knowledge of married women regarding the RH Bill, and to
determine the problems that may arise upon the enactment of the RH Bill.
Fifty respondents from the Barangay of Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City were considered as
respondents of the study.
The results indicate that the respondents were relatively young, all literates, and
unemployed. Majority are Roman Catholics, Kankanaey and with one (1) to four (4)
children. They had been married from 1 to 9 years and were practicing both natural and
artificial birth control where they used contraceptive pills, tubal ligation and intra uterine
device (IUD). Their ideal family size was 3 and they supported the two child policy.
With regards to the perception and knowledge, the respondents were aware of the
Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act and were
willing to support the Bill but they do not have enough knowledge and information about
it. Their religion and cultural belief do not influence their point of view and did not
contradict their belief regarding the Bill. They were able to sustain their family needs. They
believed that the Bill would promote gender equality, equity and women’s empowerment
in terms of health and human rights; it would provide necessary reproductive health care
needs; it would eliminate discrimination against women; the state and their religion would
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
not dictate on how they plan their own families; access to health care services will prevent
reproductive tract cancers; it would avoid unwanted pregnancy; and it would promote
breast feeding. They claimed that the Bill is anti-abortion and pro-life, that it would
promote family planning, it would address health care needs of their families, it would
provide better education for their children, it would improve their standard of living, and it
would provide basic needs for their families. They believed that there should be an
appropriate mandatory age for sex education. They also believed that the passage of the
bill would enable newlywed couples and individual women to have the number of children
they desire; that it would help alleviate the growing population in our country; that it would
help parents become more responsible in raising their children; that it would give women
specially the poor access to information regarding health and pregnancy issues; and that it
would eliminate poverty. They also believed that sexual act would be properly exercised
within marriage only with the passage of the bill.
With regards to the problems, the respondents disagreed that the state should dictate
on how they should plan for their family. They agreed that it would increase incidence of
premarital sex and unwanted pregnancy. They also disagreed that it might encourage
couples to have multiple partners. The respondents agreed that the use of contraceptives
may have undesirable effects, contraceptives would be accessible to young men and
women and there would be a proliferation of the sale of contraceptives. They disagreed
that conflict between the Church and the Government would arise and that the Bill would
be a major attack on authentic human values.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
Conclusions
Based on the findings, the following conclusions are derived:
1. The respondents are aware of the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health
and Population Development Act but they do not have enough knowledge and information
about it. They are willing to support the Bill although most of them practice natural birth
control;
2. The respondents are willing to support the bill and they believe that the RH Bill
is family centered, that it is anti-abortion and pro-life. They also believed that it would
promote gender equality and family planning; and,
3. The respondents agreed that there are certain problems that might arise upon the
enactment of the Bill. This includes; accessibility of contraceptives among young men and
women, proliferation of the sale of contraceptives and use of contraceptives might have
undesirable side effects on women.
Recommendations
Based on the conclusions, the following recommendations are derived:
1. Female residents of Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City that were married should
undergo thoroughly seminars and forums regarding the Responsible Parenthood,
Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011;
2. Local Government Units should conduct information dissemination regarding
the RH Bill in coordination with the Rural Health Unit within the Barangay of Bakakeng
Norte, Baguio City; and,
3. The respondents are encouraged to read more articles about the Bill, to watch
and listen on certain issues to further increase their understanding and belief regarding the
RH Bill.
Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012
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Perception of married women in Bakakeng Norte, Baguio City towards the Responsible
Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2011 |
PAGAO, CHARLES W. OCTOBER 2012