The Davao City Population Division is strengthening its call for men to take a more active role in family planning, emphasizing vasectomy as a safe and permanent option for those who no longer wish to have additional children.
The reminder comes ahead of the city’s observance of World Vasectomy Week on November 27, during which the office will hold a motorcade and a mini forum at Rizal Park.
Jerrielyn Lewis, Head of the Population Division, said the activity aims to educate the public on male involvement in family planning and encourage eligible men to consider undergoing a No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV).
“Naa mi i-set up [nga forum] for those who want to ask questions, and to invite the community nga naa ta’y free vasectomy on the Friday of that week,” Lewis said during the ISpeak Media Conference on Thursday.
Lewis said Davao City has offered free NSV services since 2008 through the City Health Office’s Population Division.
Lewis emphasized that Davao City is the only city in Mindanao to provide this male-centered family planning method.
Lewis explained the minimally invasive procedure involves cutting and sealing the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm.
She added that the division continues to see a steady rise in NSV acceptors, recording over 200 clients from January to October 2025.
Lewis underscored that vasectomy is safe and does not affect testosterone levels, sex drive, or other masculine traits.
She noted that it is also safer and less invasive than Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL), which requires a longer recovery period.
Since June 2025, free NSV procedures have been available at the Buhangin Vasectomy Center every second and last Friday of the month.
Lewis said interested individuals receive free counseling before the procedure and a free semen analysis after three months to confirm effectiveness.
Lewis encouraged Dabawenyos to visit their nearest health centers to explore suitable family planning methods.
