kaban galing - front cover - galing pook

simplified but scientific methodologies. A community data base using
the minimum basic needs (MBN) indicators was also set up to make
the residents aware of the project’s performance.
Fruits of Their Labor
Concepcion has begun to attain a semblance of balance. Infant mortality
rates and crude birth rates both dropped. There was also a marked
increase in the quality, accessibility and availability of family planning
and reproductive health services. Health facilities were provided various
equipment and structural improvements, particularly electricity and
running water.
The knowledge, attitudes and skills related to family planning
improved. There are now 40 adolescent reproductive and sexual health
peer facilitators. They play a role in disseminating correct information
on adolescent reproductive and sexual health concerns. They encourage
adolescents to visit the public health facility in their community for
reproductive health care.
A deeper understanding of the complex relationship of population,
health and environment helped stir the community residents to participate
in the establishment of the municipality’s marine protected areas, focus
on upland reforestation, coastal cleanup and other activities that address
declining fish catch and income.
Concepcion has established seven marine protected areas with an
area of 240 hectares designed to regulate fishing and replenish marine
resources. The program also provided alternative fishing methods to
242 fisherfolk. One result is that the small fisherfolk reported an increase
of 5 kilos in their daily fish catch.
To date a total of 23,968 people, or 70% of the town’s population
living in 25 barangays, have taken part in the program. They are mostly
women, children, indigents, fisherfolk and marginal farmers.
Ensuring Sustainability
Sustainability of the population-health-environment program is ensured
because it is now included in the barangay development plans and which
are consolidated in the municipal development plan. These plans were
formulated using participatory methodologies which ensure that the
programs have the support of the stakeholders. This process, moreover,
has ensured that use of local government funds is optimized.
Of Mothers and Mother Earth 57