"We are ending the backlogs in the education sector, but the potential for shortages remains as our student population continues to increase.
Perhaps Responsible Parenthood can help address this."
This was said President Benigno S. C. Aquino III during his 2012 State of the Nation Address (SONA), his third in his term.
First of all, let me just point out that this year's SONA by the president is by far the most appealing and most thoughtful address he ever delivered since he assume office. After listening to what he has to say last year, I think that it lacks more information especially on the education aspect of our nation.
This year, I'm glad that he told the Filipino people all his plans to improve the quality of education in our county, especially of course with the increase in the national budget of state universities and colleges. If the budget for 2013 will be approved, I believe that it will truly be a great help to everyone who do not have enough money to go to school. Money should not hinder an individual to receive education.
But what I want to focus on right now is what President Aquino said about Responsible Parenthood.
For one, I really did hope that President Aquino discussed the Reproductive Health Bill instead. As it was stated in
bworldonline.com,
"The term 'Reproductive Health,' which is the subject of international
agreements, is wider than 'Responsible Parenthood,' and in some
countries is taken to include access to abortion." I believe that I would have been better if he used the term "Reproductive Health"
to point out our problems in overpopulation and its connection to the increase in our student population resulting to backlogs in our education system.
I do believe in what President Aquino stated. Indeed, no matter what the government do to improve the situation of our education here in our Philippines, it wouldn't have that much of an effect because of the continues increase in the number of students who needs to receive proper education.
However, I would just like to point out that maybe, this all just boils down to proper information dissemination about responsible parenthood, but must be backed up by passing a bill. The House Bill 4244 or "The Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act of 2011" could just be the solution that we are all waiting for.
Personally, I am Pro RH Bill because I am Pro life. I want every lives to be as equally great as what the rest of us are experiencing. I am saying that RH Bill is pro life because it will allow access to the much needed information not just on birth control but most especially on maternal care.
I detest child deaths and maternal deaths.
I detest child and maternal deaths just as I detest the thought that there are thousands of Filipino children who do not go to school. I detest the thought that there are thousands of Filipino parents who cannot send their children to school. I detest that because of lack of access to information, many are not able to receive proper education.
Information on responsible parenthood, reproductive health, population and development are actually overflowing. It's just that not everyone have access to it. Access to information is just as important as having information readily available.
