A community pantry in Davao City is providing a different kind of essentials -- free contraceptives to offer protection during pandemic sex.
Inspired by the viral movement, the community pantry at Purok 9, Barangay 76-A, Bucana is giving away free condoms, lubricants, and pills on top of the usual relief goods to also encourage safe and responsible sex, said initiator Reggie Manginsay, head of LGBT Davao City Coalition.
"We wanted to [raise] awareness and help prevent STI, HIV and AIDS, and also teenage pregnancies. Importante maging responsible tayo sa lahat ng pagkakataon," she said.
The Population Commission said it expected cases of teenage pregnancies to have risen during the pandemic, as staying at home puts young girls more at risk.
The U.N. also said some 12 million women all over the world may have lost access to contraception since the pandemic, warning that the poorest and most vulnerable were the hardest hit.
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