Country: Philippines Source: United Nations Population Fund MANILA, 23 MAY 2025 — In a significant step towards strengthening the Philippines’ public health systems, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Philippines Country Office and Asia Pacific Regional Office (APRO) supported the Department of Health’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB) in conducting a Sexual and Reproductive Health Commodities Quantification Workshop held from May 20 to 23, 2025. This four-day workshop brought together experts from UNFPA, and key personnel from DOH and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Health to lay down foundational principles for forecasting, aimed at enhancing the procurement and supply chain management of essential health commodities, especially for sexual and reproductive health (SRH).Aligned with the DOH 8-Point Action Agenda, the Medium-Term Strategy for the Health Sector from 2023 to 2028, DPCB is aiming to develop a strong medium-term procurement plan that guarantees the accessibility and availability of essential health commodities, including those for sexual and reproductive health.“With the budget preparation for 2026, this Quantification Workshop is crucial for us to establish a programme plan backed by data and sound science,” said Ken Borling, Supervising Health Programme Officer of DPCB-Management Support Unit. DPCB recognizes its critical role in ensuring that health services, including sexual and reproductive health, are responsive and felt by Filipinos.The discussions throughout the workshop were informed by the technical expertise of UNFPA specialists. Dr. Inamullah Khan, Programme Analyst for Sexual and Reproductive Health – Supply Chain Management from UNFPA Pakistan, and Dr. Bennet Urama, Reproductive Health Supply Chain Technical Specialist from the UNFPA Pacific Sub-Regional Office, led important discussions on quantification and planning. Their guidance was instrumental in building participants' understanding of forecasting methodologies and enhancing procurement strategies and plans.Ms. Maria Lourdes Jacinto, Supervising Health Program Officer from DPCB specifically lauded UNFPA’s facilitation, describing it as “a perfect blend of guided and self-directed learning to fully grasp the new concepts on quantification and supply chain management.”Additional support and facilitation were provided by Dr. Michael Tekie, Regional Supply Chain Management Specialist at APRO. Dr. Navaraj Bhattarai, Programme Analyst for Family Planning/Reproductive Health Commodity Security at UNFPA Nepal helped shape the structure and technical content of the workshop.Among the key outcomes of the workshop was the acquisition of critical knowledge in quantification, forecast reconciliation, funding gap analysis, and supply planning, where the crucial role of quantification as the "heartbeat" of an effective supply chain was particularly emphasized.This knowledge gained from the workshop will directly inform the development of Sexual and Reproductive Health commodity forecasts for Calendar Years 2026-2028. With technical guidance from UNFPA, the participants had hands-on exercises in developing a forward-looking projection crucial for strategic planning and procurement—ensuring continuous availability of vital SRH supplies nationwide.The practical experience provided in the workshop was invaluable for participants like Ianna May Miralles, Health Program Officer II of DPCB. “The workshop not only defined quantification but also walked us through its key steps: preparation, forecasting, and supply planning. It significantly strengthened the foundation of my knowledge in this area,” Ms. Miralles shared.For UNFPA, an accurate forecasting of health commodities, especially for sexual and reproductive health needs, is crucial to ensuring effective health service delivery. With reliable data, health programme managers can better anticipate needs and prevent stockouts, guaranteeing essential SRH commodities remain available at all times. This data-driven approach strengthens programme management and improves the overall supply chain, which is vital for maintaining consistent access to SRH services.Moreover, efficient and systematic forecasting and quantification of commodities provide clear, evidence-based data that effectively inform budget proposals to the Philippine government. This supports better budget planning and resource allocation, resulting in significant cost savings. Ultimately, it enables the expansion of SRH services, particularly in underserved communities, and contributes to improved health outcomes nationwide.To support these goals, UNFPA continues to work with government partners like the Department of Health to maximize resources and promote data-driven decision-making. This collaboration is key to strengthening the country’s health systems and ensuring life-saving supplies reach those who need them most.###