From 2000 to the end of 2004, JOICFP executed a community-based reproductive health (RH) component project in Capiz Province, funded by the Human Security Fund set up by the Japanese government in the UN, under the UNFPA 5th Country Program of Assistance to the Philippines.

On 14th December 2004, the Final Project Review meeting for the 5th Country Program was held in Manila, organized by UNFPA, the Department of Health, the Philippines, and the Commission on Population (POPCOM), with JOICFP and other partners in attendance.

The participants determined what targets had been achieved in RH, advocacy, and population and development, and identified major lessons learned to assist with implementation of the next country program. In addition, best practices were highlighted.

Capiz project

The JOICFP-executed component project sustainably delivered an integrated community-based approach to RH services, and showed that this approach is replicable to other project sites.

Resource mobilization was seen as the key to sustainable RH services in the community, with the commitment of local government units (LGU) and cooperation among LGU, grassroots health volunteers and health personnel being critical.

It is expected that lessons from the Capiz project will be shared with other project areas in the Philippines in the next country program starting 2005.

In a ceremony of recognition held after the review meeting, JOICFP was awarded by UNFPA as an outstanding partner for its success in contributing to the reproductive health of the community and the ICPD goals and MDGs.

Representatives from JOICFP and JOICFP Philippines,
with representatives from POPCOM, DOH Philippines
and UNFPA at the award ceremony