Dr. Esperanza Cabral: New Idol for the Youth

You’re our idol Doctor Cabral!

This is what the youth of poor communities have been saying, ever since she stood up for reproductive health and rights. She did this despite the threats to boot her out as Health Secretary of the former administration. And regardless of the “NFP-Only” policy of that administration, she fought for the right of the people to have the freedom to choose their own mode of family planning – including artificial methods of contraception. She also supported the actions of the Department of Education to pilot test a new scheme of reproductive health education (also known as Sex-Ed) in selected public schools.

A person like Dr. Cabral should rightfully be idolized. She isn’t pressured by what other people or groups say. She continues to learn. And she grounds her fair actions on scientific evidence, on issues such as family planning.

Despite severe criticisms from the Catholic Church, the brave doctor has firmly stood her ground. Because of this, the young people's support for Dr. Cabral and her drive for a comprehensive policy on reproductive health has intensified. She knows how valuable this is for poor people, especially the youth. She knows that passing the RH Bill and implementing Sex-Ed will help improve the chances of young people for a better future, and help them avoid the the dangers of early pregnancy and childbirth.

The youth should not only idolize celebrities such as actors, basketball stars and musicians. Because of her courage and steadfastness, the justness of her principles and actions, and her intelligence, they should also follow in the steps of Dr. Cabral.

-Kiko dela Tonga