A future search conference on “Universal Access to Reproductive Health by 2015 Through Multisectoral Leadership” was held recently in Dumaguete sponsored by the Leadership Development for Mobilizing Reproductive Health-Institute of International Education, the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation.

The conference opened at Silliman Hall, the oldest building on the campus of the 107-year-old Silliman University. What was intended to be a simultaneous opening via video-conferencing, however, did not materialize because of technical glitches in the network.

Cindy Uy, LDM Visayas representative, welcomed the participants on behalf of the sponsors, as well as of Ms. Mag Lopez, LDM country manager, emphasizing that this future search conference methodology has already been done twice in Manila, but is being done for the first time in Dumaguete.

Dr. Michael Tan, representing the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, gave words of challenge to set the pace of the three-day conference, saying that the Packard Foundation has been supporting, among other projects, adolescent and reproductive health. Today, according to Dr. Tan, we are at the crossroads in the campaign on RH. “With the problems facing the country today, like the rice crisis, we cannot afford to continue to be quiet. We have to take a position, but we have to be respectful of each other. We can share ideas, and we can agree or disagree with one another,” he expounded. Dr. Tan said we are excited to do new technology, like what will happen in the next few days. As a result people would want to come to Dumaguete. “The outcomes and processes as a result of the conference will be a first in the Philippines, and we can chart these in the next few years, establishing a network of RH in the country,” mused Dr. Tan.

The main facilitators of the conference were Judith Alpuerto and Trelly Marigza. Nine sectors were invited to the conference, namely non-government organizations, academe, youth, mass-based organizations, government, private sector, religious community, media, and service delivery.

Day 1 tackled the past and present, Day 2 dwelt on the future, and Day 3 focused on the actions to be taken.

The facilitators expounded on the basics of future search – it is the “whole system” in the room; think globally, act locally; explore the whole before fixing any part; future focus and common ground; and self-management and responsibility for action.

It is important to take note of the self-manager’s guide – having a discussion leader, time keeper, recorder, and reporter. We can determine our own future and take responsibility for our actions. We have various experiences – highs and lows, happiness and despair. In future search, we have opportunities for growth because we can own them up, we can conduct reality dialogue, and it can move us into action.

Some ground rules are: ideas are valid; everything is written on flipcharts; correct or add to whole group recording; listen to each other; observe time frames; seek common ground and action; differences and problems are acknowledged, not worked.

It was noted that RH started out in the 1960s yet, but our population still continues to grow. It may drop slowly in a certain period, but we still question its effectiveness. The rise of the women’s movement has been felt, which is a factor in RH discourse. There were many programs focused on the youth, especially on the sexuality of young people. There was also a resistance to family planning and RH concerns, especially felt in the ‘90s. Although the bill has not yet been passed, there is an attempt in Congress to block RH programs and services. At present, we talk about food security, government, water, environmental protection, but it took all that to bring a renewed consciousness to uncontrolled population growth.