The Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), in partnership with Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the Commission on Population (POPCOM) and with the support of United Nations Populations Fund (UNFPA) organized the first family planning conference in the workplace with the theme, “Enhancing Worker’s Productivity Through Reproductive and Health Rights” last June 20 at Makati Diamond Residences, Makati City.
The National Conference on Productivity and Family Planning highlighted the importance and urgency of establishing workplace family planning programs and implementing policies that support education, access to reproductive care and decent employment for everyone.
The conference was attended by 200 participants including the 13 pilot companies of the Business Action for Family Planning (BAFP) Project. The companies were present also to receive their plaques particularly the CEOs in implementing and supporting the BAFP program in the workplace.
The conference was opened by Donald G. Dee, President of ECOP, giving the welcome remarks; Klaus Beck, UNFPA Country Representative, delivering an inspirational message; and Atty. Racquel Ros, Executive Officer, Division Manager for Administration of IBIDEN Phils., sharing the company’s learnings in setting up UNFPA’s BAFP Program in the workplace and lastly, DOLE Undersecretary Claro Arellano delivering the keynote speech.
There was a discussion on family planning in the workplace during the morning panel session which included Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, Executive Director of POPCOM; Atty. Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla, Director of BWSC-DOLE; Roberto Valerio, Secretary General of ECOP ZAMBASULTA Chapter, and Flor Cabatingan of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP).
The conference concluded with a workshop in the afternoon which aimed to move forward and concretize call of action in pushing family planning programs in the workplace at the different regions.
