sexandsensibilities.com

Amidst the hues of the fresh blooms being sold at Dangwa, Manila’s wholesale flower market, the Deparment of Health (DOH) set up booths at and gave out free condoms and safe sex informational materials to shoppers on the eve of Valentine’s Day.

In the campaign  dubbed, “Ingat lagi, my Valentine” (Always be careful/safe, my Valentine), a coupon was given for every purchase of flowers made by adult buyers which could be exchanged for safe sex informational kits and condoms (maximum of 5). Minors were entitled to receive only the informational materials and  a lollipop.

This is the first time the DOH has given out condoms to the public. Dr. Ed Janairo, DOH Head of National Center for Disease Prevention emphasized that this move is meant to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS and is in collaboration with the Global Fund and the Philippine National AIDS Council (PNAC). Condom manufacturers, DKT Philippines (makers of Trust, Frenzy and Premiere condoms) and Durex provided the condoms that were given away.

Dr. Eric Tayag, director of the DOH National Epidemiology Center, said that they were working under the directive of newly appointed DOH Secretary Esperanza Cabral (former Secretary of DSWD) who encourgaed an “innovative way of promoting safe sex” among the youth, especially during Valentine’s Day when many may be susceptible to having unprotected casual sex.

The push to increase HIV / AIDS awareness and prevention came after news that STIs and HIV are on the rise among young urban professionals, particularly those in call centers. In December 2009, 126 new AIDS cases were recorded, the highest number to be recorded in one month in 25 years.  A total of 835 AIDS cases were registered in 2009.

The “Ingat lagi, my Valentine” program has been largely criticized by senior Church officials who called the initiative “vulgar, lewd and gross”. Bishop Teodoro Bacani was quoted as saying that giving out condoms might only increase the number of HIV/AIDS cases, adding that the government should have promoted abstinence instead.

An article in Inquirer.net quoted Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani as saying he doubted that Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral herself would give her grownup unwed children condoms and flowers to give to their boyfriends and girlfriends on Valentine’s Day

Condoms, when used properly, have been proven to be 99% effective in the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases as well as unintended pregnancy.