Pleasure, empowerment and government: a study on the effects of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in relation to the sexual and reproductive health rights of the mother beneficiaries in Vitas, Tondo, Manila

Abstract

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Vitas, Tondo which aimed to identify the effects of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in relation to the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights of its mother beneficiaries. The primary investigator used both qualitative and quantitative means of data gathering as a means of triangulation. One hundred and sixty-two (162) mother beneficiaries were randomly selected and surveyed in order to provide grassroots perspective on the effects of the program, while key expert interviews were conducted to provide an alternative view on the project. Analysis of the study indicated that there was indeed a substantial improvement in terms of reproductive health practice with the beneficiaries before and after the program, but has some practices which further aggravates gender stereotyping among its beneficiaries. In conclusion, the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program lacks or is misguided in order to become a holistic gender empowering program under the government.