The Davao City Population Division has renewed its call for greater male involvement in family planning decisions, highlighting the crucial role men play in reproductive health and family welfare.
World Vasectomy Week Celebration
In connection with World Vasectomy Week on November 27, the city government has organized a motorcade followed by an educational forum at Rizal Park. Jerrielyn Lewis, Head of the Population Division, announced these activities during Thursday's ISpeak Media Conference.
The forum aims to educate Dabawenyos about the importance of male participation in family planning and encourage those who have completed their desired family size to consider vasectomy as a permanent contraceptive option.
Free Vasectomy Services Available
Davao City has been providing free No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) services since 2008 through the City Health Office's Population Division. This program represents one of the city's standout health initiatives, making Davao the only location in Mindanao offering this service.
The city has observed a steady increase in NSV acceptance, with over 200 individuals undergoing the procedure from January to October 2025 alone.
Understanding No-Scalpel Vasectomy
NSV stands as a male-focused family planning method that involves a minimally invasive procedure to cut and seal the vas deferens, the tube responsible for carrying sperm. Lewis emphasized that the process is completely safe and does not impact testosterone production, sexual drive, or other masculine characteristics.
Compared to female sterilization methods like Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL), NSV proves significantly less invasive and requires a shorter recovery period.
Since June 2025, the Population Division has been conducting free NSV procedures at the Buhangin Vasectomy Center every second and last Friday of each month. The program includes comprehensive counseling before the procedure and free semen analysis three months afterward to confirm effectiveness.
Lewis encouraged interested individuals to visit their nearest health center to consult with population staff about family planning options suitable for their circumstances.
