by Greg Deligero and Lorie Ann A. Cascaro
SIX out of every 10 Dabawenyos polled said they are in favor of the passage of a reproductive health bill. However, four of 10 respondents said they do not have any idea about the RH bills and therefore do not have any opinion about the issues involved.
The one-week survey was conducted by Edge Davao among more than 300 respondents from all walks of life in Davao City.
Polled were 120 students (35.71 percent); 102 men and women from various professions (30.36 percent); 60 businessmen and women (17.86 percent); and 54 media practitioners (16.07 percent).
At the time of the survey, the respondents were sought out in schools, offices, coffee shops, media fora and at the annual general assembly and election of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.
Only three questions were asked of the respondents:
Have you read any of the Reproductive Health (RH) bills being deliberated in Congress, or heard extensive discussions on them which made you aware what the bills are all about?
To this question, 213 respondents, or 63.39 percent, replied “yes”, while the rest (123 or 36.61 percent) said “no”.
(2) Are you ready to make a stand on the bills?
“Yes”- said 216 (64.29 percent).
“No” – said 120 (35.71 percent) because they don’t have any idea what the
issue is all about.
(3) What is your ‘vote’?
“Yes” – said 204 respondents (60.71 percent).
“No” – said 57 (16.96 percent).
A total of 75 respondents (22.23 percent) had no reply.
Many of the 204 who said “yes” commented that the RH bills would be good
for the health of both mother and child, and that it will prove effective in
‘controlling’ the number of children.
Some of those who abstained said they “do not understand what the RH bills
are” or that they needed to hear more clarification on the matter.
