Carmen appraisal results presented

CARMENANONS perceive reproductive health problems, issues like rape, many children, early marriages, pre-marital sex, family planning, violence against women, marital conflict, and lack of money during delivery as high, shows a recent community appraisal here. Some key findings of the Carmen community appraisal conducted by the Linangan ng mga Kababaihan (LIKHAAN) that were presened within the week also detail that lack of information on sex has got the lowest perception rating.

Likhaan Executive Director Dr. Junice Melgar presented the appraisal to the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carmen together with a feedback session at the Carmen Sangguniang Bayan session hall. Likhaan is a non-government organization and implementing partner in charge with conducting community appraisals under the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) 6th Country Pogramme.

In their appraisal, locals also perceive maternal complications and lack of transportation and birth attendants at the medium level. Also detailed in the appraisal were economic problems on drugs, and murder. It also showed that poverty results in poor health and limited capacity to cope with health or reproductive health needs. Similarly, the transportation problem due to terrain or distance rates high among locals' concerns.

Carmenanons also said there is a need to promote concept of rights, gender equality, and women's empowerment. Finally, the locals see a need to address family planning as unseen reproductive health problem. Likewise, the output of that survey was presented to the people of Carmen through a stage presentation prepared and performed by their youth. The cast of that stage play underwent a seven days workshop facilitated by Mr. Ralf Tejada.

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