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The Commission on Population and Development Region VII recognized Adventist Hospital-Cebu for its outstanding contribution to the Philippine Population Development Program, particularly in promoting Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning.

A plaque of recognition was given on Dec. 3, 2024, at Bayfront Hotel, Cebu City, during the 1st Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Awarding Ceremony held at Bayfront Hotel, North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

The event, to which Juliet Buque, AH-C health education director, and Joven Arcelo, AH-C public relations/marketing officer, were officially invited for the award, was designed to promote the legacy of Rafael Salas.

Salas was a pioneering advocate for integrating population and development initiatives, particularly in underdeveloped countries. His work helped transform population management into a key component of long-term development planning.

Looking back, Adventist Hospital-Cebu partnered with the Commission on Population and Development Region VII in hosting a comprehensive orientation on Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) and KATROPA on Aug. 20, 2024. The event aligned with the Department of Health's Family Planning Month celebration every August.

KATROPA is a program in the Philippines that aims to engage men in responsible parenthood and family planning. It stands for "𝙆𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙙-𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙖 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙙 𝙪𝙜 𝙊𝙗𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙨𝙮𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙖 𝙋𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙮𝙖," which translates to "Men Loyal to their Responsibility and Obligation to the Family."  

In an interview, Buque shared her appreciation for this initiative. "This advocacy for responsible parenthood and family planning is crucial, particularly in workplaces. By raising awareness about the importance of family planning, we empower individuals to create happier, healthier, and more productive families."

She also added that strong families contribute to the growth of churches, communities, and society as a whole.

Sharing her joy as well in this recognition, she added, "This recognition inspires us to continue our efforts and expand our support for individuals of all ages, from couples and children to teens and older adults."

Furthermore, Arcelo expressed gratitude for this recognition. He said, "At Adventist Hospital Cebu, we are very thankful to be recognized by the CPD Region 7 as one of the private institutions that actively conducts the RPFP of the Commission in Population and Development (formerly POPCOM).

"Aside from the significant impact of the program on our employees' perspective about family planning, it also strengthens our principles in responsible stewardship, freedom of choice, and redemptive approach," Arcelo added.