The atmosphere at the Robinsons Novaliches Trade Hall in Quezon City was electric as hundreds gathered — not just to dance, but to champion a vital cause. In a vibrant post-celebration for World Contraception Day 2025, healthcare leader Organon, in partnership with the Quezon City Government, sparked a powerful conversation on women’s reproductive health through its EmpowHER Zumba event dubbed “Take Control, Buhay Mo, Iplano Mo.”
Under the pulsating rhythm of music led by celebrity dancer Regine Tolentino, women from all walks of life moved together, their energy symbolizing a collective demand for the right to make informed choices about their bodies, families, and futures.
The event aimed to break down barriers and stigmas surrounding family planning, turning a serious topic into an accessible and empowering community experience.
The celebration opened with remarks that set a determined tone.
Dr. Christina P. Crisologo, Medical Director of Organon, delivering her speech at the event
“Today, we are not just dancing; we are taking a stand,” declared Dr. Christina P. Crisologo, Medical Director of Organon. “We are celebrating the theme ‘Take Control, Buhay Mo, Iplano Mo,’ a reminder that every woman has the right to choose her own path. Family planning is a cornerstone of that control that would enable women to build healthier, more secure futures for themselves and their communities.”
When asked about the company’s partnership with Quezon City, she explained, “During World Contraception Day, the company tries to partner with LGUs who are strong advocates of family planning. Quezon City has one of the densest populations in the Philippines and historically, the city is a recipient of various family planning commodities from the national government. So, our partnership with them is a crucial step in ensuring that every Filipino will have the knowledge and resources to plan their family. After all, a healthy city begins with healthy, empowered women.”
This message is particularly urgent in the Philippines, where over half (51%) of all pregnancies are unintended — mirroring a global crisis in which 121 million unintended pregnancies occur annually. These statistics represent more than just numbers; they signify interrupted education, limited career opportunities, and increased health risks.
Empowering women through access, awareness, and choice
Dr. Ramona Asuncion DG Abarquez, OIC of the Quezon City Health Department, delivering the welcome remarks
Speaking on behalf of Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, Dr. Ramona Asuncion DG Abarquez, Officer-in-Charge of the Quezon City Health Department, echoed this urgency while reaffirming the city’s commitment to its constituents. “In Quezon City, we believe that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, not a privilege,” she said.
Dr. Abarquez also emphasized that while the city’s maternal mortality ratio has been improving, challenges still remain due to the large population and influx of patients from neighboring areas. “Our maternal mortality ratio in Quezon City is going down, but because of our population size, the absolute number of maternal deaths is still higher compared to other LGUs,” she explained.
“In 2022, we recorded 135 maternal deaths; in 2023, it was 130; and in 2024, it declined further to 117. As of September this year, we’ve had only six deaths among residents in Quezon City.”
She attributed this improvement to the city’s ongoing commitment to providing quality maternal care and accessible health services. “Our health centers are open to everyone, regardless of their background or income,” she further stated. “We want people to know that these services exist, and that awareness is the first step toward saving lives.”
Dr. Abarquez also highlighted that family planning plays a crucial role in reducing maternal deaths — a message closely aligned with Organon’s advocacy. “If there are no unplanned pregnancies, there will be no maternal mortality due to childbirth,” she said. “That’s why family planning is key. Our partnership with Organon helps us promote long-acting reversible contraceptives like implants, which are cost-effective and last up to three years — unlike pills which must be given monthly.”
She added that beyond the Zumba event, Quezon City continues to roll out community-based programs such as family planning caravans, ‘buntis assemblies,’ and educational talks like “Usapang Family Planning” and “Usapang Buntis” in local health centers. “Information dissemination is very important,” Dr. Abarquez stressed. “People need to be aware that these programs are available to them. Awareness leads to access — and access saves lives.”
Organon: Promoting family planning to protect every mother
Following the high-energy Zumba session, the focus shifted from physical movement to educational empowerment. Dr. Khristine Vine Dubhe Jadjuli, a respected obstetrician-gynecologist, delivered a comprehensive lecture on modern family planning methods.
She demystified various contraceptive options, explaining their effectiveness and accessibility while stressing one critical point: “Consulting a healthcare professional is your first and most important step. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and a doctor can help you find the method that is right for your body and your life.” Dr. Jadjuli also emphasized that family planning is a shared responsibility, urging men to be active partners in the conversation and decision-making process.
The day’s most poignant moment came during the “Commitment exercise: A pledge from you… A donation from Organon.” Attendees and partner stakeholders were invited to make a personal pledge for women’s health — a promise to champion informed choice in their own lives and communities. This local action tied into a broader regional campaign by Organon, a global healthcare company focused on women’s health.
For every pledge made, the company donates US$1 USD to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to support vulnerable women across the Asia-Pacific region — transforming personal commitments into tangible, far-reaching support.
As the program wrapped up with an interactive game on family planning, attendees explored informational booths and shared lunch together.
The message was clear: the post-celebration of World Contraception Day in Quezon City was more than an event — it was a movement. A joyful, powerful, and unified dance toward a future where every woman has the wings to take control.
