Roots of Health

Empowering Women and Youth in the Philippines

20% of all Palawan births are attributed to adolescent pregnancies

In Puerto Princesa, we have helped reduce teen pregnancy from 20% of all births to 9%.

HIV cases in the Philippines have increased by 200% since 2017

Youth Work

Our youth-centered programs focus on supporting the reproductive health education of the young people of Palawan. We deliver comprehensive programs, mentoring sessions, and training to students and teachers through our dedicated youth team.

Service Delivery

We work with communities and provide services for stronger and healthier families. We provide free, high-quality clinical services both in our office as well as in remote Palawan communities.

Systems

Roots of Health works closely with local and national government agencies to strengthen reproductive health support. Through our partnerships with local offices we help train health workers and provide inventory support across Palawan.

Celebrating 15 years with Roots of Health

Roots of Health Executive Director Ami Evangelista-Swanepoel (2nd row, center) with the Roots of Health Team during the 15th year anniversary celebration in Puerto Princesa, City. As I reflect on the past 15 years with Roots of Health, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible impact we’ve made in Palawan. What started as a dream has blossomed into something truly transformative. We’ve empowered women and young people, […]

Press Statement: Let’s Teach Children Consent

Atty. Lorna Kapunan was right to enlighten Senator Robin Padilla on marital consent during the recent Senate hearing on sexual harassment, stressing that both spouses have the right to refuse sex, even within marriage. While this may seem like common sense, many Filipinos share Senator Padilla’s view as shown by our analysis of the 2021 Young Fertility and Sexuality Study (YAFS5) by the University of the Philippines Population Institute. Over […]

Op-Ed: Marcos, Angara Must Help Teachers Teach Sex Ed

Amina Evangelista-Swanepoel Published on Rappler, July 29, 2024 In his 2024 SONA, President Marcos called public school teachers the foundation of our educational system and national learning recovery. He announced benefit packages and upskilling programs for teachers to improve Filipino learners’ literacy, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The President and newly-appointed Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sonny Angara must not forget teachers’ professional development in implementing comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) to […]