Message from the Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Since 2014, the annual reports on the Philippines’ Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) have faithfully chronicled the important milestones of this particular dimension of this development-centered Program. As one of the flagship programs of the Philippine government, that of the RPRH is inextricably linked to the nation’s development objectives as outlined in Ambisyon 2040. On a larger perspective, it serves as a manifestation of our commitment to the global community by way of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. While the RPRH program is undoubtedly underpinned in the far-reaching facet of healthcare, its accomplishments are ultimately translated into the dimensions of countrywide development. We can arrive at a consensus that, in simple terms, the state of our population carries over to the achievement of the much-desired demographic dividend of the Philippines. For one, reproductive health is recognized as a cost-effective health intervention. It has been proven that investments in RH save lives. Thus, the product of the RPRH program to the overall wellbeing of Filipinos will positively impact our entire nation’s development. With that in mind, a major synergistic highlight in 2019 was the re-launch of the National Program on Population and Family Planning or NPPFP, where the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), together with the Commission on Population and Development and the Department of Health, endeavored a concerted approach to attain a holistic national development anchored on better health, poverty reduction and socioeconomic outcomes. The NEDA has also figured in a number of key interventions and initiatives spearheaded by multifaceted sets of stakeholders—a testament to the multisectoral approach and efforts required to reach goals specific to RPRH. It is proof that the Philippine government seeks synergies from organizations—both local and international—to accomplish higher aims for the greater good of our country. In terms of development, 2019 will be remembered as a year of “inclusion”—that is, one marked by recognizing the role of every woman as vital in the realization of our country’s goals for reproductive health. That is not to say that men as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex and asexual community had a lesser degree of involvement in advancing RPRH in society, as they likewise championed their respective causes in the aforementioned aspect. On the part of the NEDA, we are certain that the numbers, figures, data and information presented in this annual report have revealed progressive gains since the first documentation six years ago. Conversely, there will be discussions on areas where we need to collaborate more closely and hopefully address in the near future. Together with the preceding RPRH Annual Reports, let this compendium be our roadmap and milestone marker for the triumphs of our shared objective, where reproductive health is integral in our collective quest toward a developed nation and a healthy, empowered Philippine populace. Acting Secretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua, Ph.D. 6 2019 Annual Report Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012