More comments on free hygiene kit measure sought

CEBU, Philippines —  Although the committee on laws, ordinances and styling finds no legal impediment on the proposed measure to provide free period hygiene products for qualified indigents in Cebu City, the committee wants more comments and recommendations from another committee and concerned offices.

Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia, chairman of the committee on laws, ordinances and styling in the City Council, has referred the proposed measure to the committee on health, hospital services, and sanitation for its review and recommendation.

The Department of Social Welfare and Services (DPWS) and the Department of Health (DOH) are also asked to comment on the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba.

  Garcia’s committee noted that its intention is to uplift the overall health conditions of women, especially among the indigents in the city, who have their monthly period but are usually unable to afford, on a regular basis, the necessary hygienic products.

“Legally speaking, the proposed ordinance appears to suffer no impediment and should be well within the authority of the Sanggunian to enact. However other important aspects such as necessity, practicality, and sustainability also ought to be carefully considered,” the committee report reads.

“After all, even the government’s resources are limited, and it is the Sanggunian’s role to best allocate the available resources. But these aforementioned matters are beyond this Committee’s mandate. Prudence thus dictates that the proposed ordinance should be first referred to the appropriate Committee so that the Sanggunian may be guided in enacting the ordinance, or suggesting improvements, if any,” it added.

Per the proposed ordinance, the City Health Department shall determine the quality and provide standards for these hygiene products before distribution to qualified recipients.

It also states that indigent school students, specifically those in elementary and high school, as well as female detainees, will also get the supplies. Girls in orphanages and halfway homes will also be given.

To avail of the items, the recipient must have a certification from DSWS proving that she is an indigent.

To get the certification, the recipient shall submit to an interview by DSWS to determine her eligibility. Upon verification of the application, the required Certificate of Indigency shall be issued to the applicant and her name shall be included in the master list of qualified indigents for monitoring, the proposed ordinance states.

Once approved, DSWS will craft the implementing rules and regulations in consultation with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the DOH. — FPL (FREEMAN)