This paper attempts to capture how the principles of Participatory Action Research (PAR) were put into life in the integrated reproductive health (RH) programme in the Cordilleras, Northern Philippines. Document review and interviews of program staff were utilized to learn from the field and data were derived from participatory methods such as Group and Team Dynamic Methods, Interviewing and Dialogue Methods, Sampling Methods, and Visualization and Diagramming Methods. Results show that Community Needs Assessment (CNA) as a baseline for integrated planning of programme partners, laid a PAR framework for the entire development process. With the guidance of the integrated RH framework, the CNA ensured relevant and correct interpretation and analysis of data which then led to meaningful plans, actions and partnership, having gained the acceptance of communities. Community structures - People's Organizations with Health Committees that oversee income generating projects and RH education activities in the barangays (villages), were strengthened; partnerships with the Barangays Councils (BC) and the Barangay Health Stations (BHS) are continually enhanced to make policy formulation and service delivery more responsive to RH needs. Through this, the community was presented as a powerful unit of identity that builds on the strengths and resources of the community. The experience revealed that co-learning and capacity building can be promoted, and knowledge generation and intervention is integrated. The experience also emphasized the local relevance of public health problems (RH in this case) and the multiple determinants of health and disease including biomedical, social, economic, and physical environmental factors. To the researchers, it has been an inspiring and empowering experience to grow and learn with the people.

Human ; Male ; Female