Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction
The Department of Health (DOH) claims that Family Planning is a national
mandated priority public health program to attain the country's national health
development: a health intervention program and an important tool for the improvement of
the health and welfare of mothers, as well as children and other members of the family. It
also provides information and services for the couples of reproductive age to plan their
family according to their beliefs and circumstances through legally and medically
acceptable family planning methods.
As cited by the Department of Health (2001), family planning is said to be having
the number of children based on the couple’s belief, health and economic situation.
Through spacing of birth, pregnancies are made sure only during the right time in a
mother’s life. Hence, this implies birth control on the part of the couple. As stated by
Sihnory (2000), through the observance of family planning, the fathers are enabled to
give their children good education and better home conditions. In like manner, this will
enable the fathers attain happy and contented life because they will be freed from worries
of having additional child to support. On the other hand a father who has controlled
childbirth on the family is provided with ample time for his own personal improvement.
The traditional Islam community has another view regarding family planning. For
instance, they consider giving birth is a great blessing from Allah. In no way they
approve the use of contraceptives to regulate childbirth. Moreover, their culture allows
multiple marriages which eventually result to higher birth rate ( Santos , 2001).

As cited by Panopio (2000) having many children is a trademark of strength and power
for the Muslim father. Moreover, this is a status symbol of his masculinity and strong
determination as a righteous son of Allah.

The mandate of the government to regulate family size so as to be able to build a healthy
family clashes with that of the cultural beliefs and traditions of the Moslem fathers. It is
along this line that the researchers are prompted to conduct the study to obtain the
perception of Muslim fathers on birth regulation and Family Planning as a whole.
Conceptual Framework
This study was based on the following basic principles as stipulated by the
Philippine Department of Health (2007):
Responsible Parenthood means that each family has the right and duty to determine the
desired number of children they might have and when they might have them.
Beyond responsible parenthood is Responsible parenting which is the proper upbringing
and education of children so that they grow up to be upright, productive and civic-minded
citizens.
Birth Spacing refers to interval between pregnancies (which is ideally 3 years). It enables
women to recover their health improves women's potential to be more productive and to
realize their personal aspirations and allows more time to care for children and
spouse/husband, and; Informed Choice that is upholding and ensuring the rights of
couples to determine the number and spacing of their children according to their life's
aspirations and reminding couples that planning size of their families have a direct
bearing on the quality of their children's and their own lives.
Statement of the Problem
This study was conducted to obtain the perception of the Muslim fathers
regarding the implementation of the Family Planning Program.
Specifically, this study tried to answer the question, “How do the Muslim fathers
perceive Family Planning program being implemented by the Department of Health? “
Scope and Delimitation
This study attempted to gather the perceptions of three Muslim fathers residing in
Cabanatuan City on their understanding and acceptance of the Family Planning Program
being mandated by the Department of Health. Perception of the intended respondents
covered how they understand and accept and implement the program. This study was
conducted from November 3 to December 2, 2008.
Significance of the Study
This study on the perception of Muslim fathers on Family Planning will be of
great importance to the following:
The Muslim Community of Cabanatuan City . The result of this study will
provide the Islam community research-based information as to how many of them adhere
towards the preservation of their culture.
The Muslim Children. The end result of this study will benefit the children of the
Moslem whose needs are satisfied by their fathers and other family members.
The Family Planning Program Staff. The study will assist the staff of the program
in devising programs that will cater to the need of the community giving equal emphasis
to cultural practices and implementation of health programs.
Future researchers. This study will help other researchers who may wish to
conduct similar study. This research could be used as source of their related literature and
studies.
Definition of Terms
The following terms are operationally defined to give light as to how they are
used in the study.
Cultural Beliefs. The term applies to the beliefs and traditions held by the Moslem
fathers which may hinder them to implement the family planning program.
Family Planning. The term applies to the regulation and proper spacing of
childbirth.
Muslim Fathers. The term applies to the male Muslim populace who were married
and sustain 2 or more families / children.
Perception. The term applies on how the family planning program is understood,
accepted and implemented by the respondents.