Guide to Organizing and Facilitating the Enhanced Usapan

The initiative began in 2018 with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through RTI International. The Enhanced Usapan builds upon the existing Usapan program, which focused on interpersonal communication and counseling for reproductive health and family planning. The Enhanced Usapan program is designed to address the specific needs of various target groups, including pregnant women, new mothers, and couples. The program is structured around five distinct Usapang variants: Usapang Kuntento Na, Usapang Pwede Pa, Usapang Bagong Maginoo, Usapang Buntis 1, and Usapang Buntis 2. Each variant is tailored to address the unique needs and concerns of its target group. The Enhanced Usapan program is implemented through a series of community sessions, facilitated by trained community health workers and health professionals. The facilitators undergo competency-based training to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively deliver the Enhanced Usapan program. The program focuses on promoting reproductive health and family planning services, including antenatal care, family planning methods, and maternal and child health. The Enhanced Usapan program has been piloted in several regions in the Philippines, including Luzon, with positive results. The program has shown high conversion rates among participants, with many adopting family planning methods and improving their reproductive health knowledge and practices. The program has also been endorsed by the Department of Health (DOH) and integrated into the Interpersonal Communication and Counseling (IPC/C) Training curriculum. The Enhanced Usapan program has been made possible through the support of various partners, including LuzonHealth, the DOH Regional Offices, and the Commission on Population. The program has also received funding from USAID and RTI International. The success of the Enhanced Usapan program is attributed to the collaborative efforts of these partners and the dedication of the community health workers and health professionals who have implemented the program. The Enhanced Usapan program has the potential to improve reproductive health and family planning services in the Philippines, particularly among marginalized and underserved communities. The program's focus on interpersonal communication and counseling has been shown to be effective in promoting behavior change and improving health outcomes. With continued support and funding, the Enhanced Usapan program can be scaled up to reach more communities and make a significant impact on the country's reproductive health and family planning landscape.