CPD lauds Drew Arellano, says only 0.1% Filipino men had vasectomies

The Commission on Population and Development praised television personality Drew Arellano, who recently had a vasectomy, revealing that only 0.1% of Filipino men have had it.

"This gesture strongly exemplifies responsible parenthood and family planning as promoted by the CPD," they wrote in a statement.

"This comes as good news amidst the prevailing low level of participation of males in family planning as shown by the mere 0.1% of them accepting no-scalpel vasectomy. Currently, family planning is exercised mostly by women."

Vasectomy is a "surgical procedure done for male contraception.” It's usually performed under local anesthesia, said Dr. Mark Roa. “The surgeon either makes a small incision or uses a no-scalpel technique to access the vas deferens,” he said. “Each vas deferens is cut, and then either tied, cauterized, or clipped to block sperm flow permanently.”

Its effectiveness is reported at 99.8%, and it's a one-time solution for contraception.

While the Philippines has made strides in family planning, with modern methods now used by over 8.6 million women (a rise from 8.3 million in 2022), male-centric options continue to lag significantly. This is underscored by the low usage of male condoms, currently at just 1.6%.

CDP remphasized on the crucial role of shared responsibility in family planning initiatives across the Philippines.

"The Agency is calling for more male participation through actual access to family planning services," they wrote, promoting the KATROPA (Kalalakihang Tapat sa Responsibilidad at Obligasyon sa Pamilya) program.  

“We need more men like Mr. Arellano to encourage men to assume greater responsibility in ensuring the wellbeing of their partner and their children through responsible parenthood and family planning,” Usec. Lisa Grace Bersales, the Executive Director of CPD, emphasized.

"Pursuing responsible parenthood and family planning leads to enabled competence in investing in the education and health of family members. In the long run, this productive function may result in improved socioeconomic conditions in the present and in the long run."

Recently, the actor and host revealed that he has now undergone a vasectomy after welcoming his fifth child with his wife Iya Villania. 

Arellano said it was his "late and advanced Mother’s Day to my wife.”