The Davao City Health Office has reported a significant and encouraging rise in the number of men choosing a permanent family planning method. Through its Population Division, the city served a total of 279 individuals who accepted the free No-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV) service in 2025. This marks a substantial increase from the 126 acceptors recorded in the previous year, 2024.
Record Growth for a Permanent Family Planning Option
Justice Mindanao Rasgo, the NSV program coordinator, shared these latest figures during an interview on the city-owned Davao City Disaster Radio's 'Kabataan, Pamilya ug Katalingban' program on Monday, January 5, 2026. Rasgo provided a broader perspective, revealing that since the program's launch in 2008, the office has now registered a cumulative total of 1,293 NSV acceptors.
He took the opportunity to educate the public on the nature of the procedure, clearly distinguishing it from more invasive surgeries. "NSV is a non-intrusive procedure that typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete," Rasgo explained. He emphasized that it is considered safer than female sterilization methods like Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL). The coordinator assured potential clients that the process requires minimal aftercare and boasts a remarkably high efficacy rate of 99.85 percent.
Clarifying Myths and Ensuring Safety
A key part of the Population Division's counseling involves addressing common misconceptions. Rasgo strongly clarified that a vasectomy is not equivalent to castration. In the NSV procedure, only the vas deferens—the tubes that carry sperm—are cut and sealed. The testicles remain completely intact and functional. This means the procedure does not affect testosterone production, sex drive, or secondary male characteristics.
"We want to assure the public that the procedure is safe and is a responsible choice for family planning," Rasgo stated.
Expanded Schedule to Meet Growing Demand
To accommodate the rising interest, the City Population Division has increased the frequency of its free NSV services. The procedures are now conducted at the Buhangin Vasectomy Center twice a month, up from the previous once-a-month schedule.
"Gidugangan nato ang atoang schedule para ma-cater ang kadaghan sa mga indibidwal nga nag-inquire (We increased our schedule to cater to the number of individuals inquiring about the service)," Rasgo said, highlighting the program's responsiveness to community needs.
For the month of January 2026, the free NSV services are scheduled on January 16 and January 30. The office, however, strongly advises against walk-in clients. This policy allows their staff adequate time to conduct essential pre-procedure counseling and consultation with interested individuals.
Importance of Counseling and How to Inquire
Rasgo underscored the critical importance of proper consultation before availing of any family planning method. This step ensures that individuals fully understand the procedure, its permanence, and receive the right service for their situation, thereby avoiding future regrets.
Dabawenyos who have decided they no longer wish to have more children are encouraged to explore this free service. Interested individuals can coordinate with the Population Division through the following channels:
- Their official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CityPopulationOfficeOfDavao
- Their main office located on Camus Street
- Inquiries can also be made through local health centers across the city.
