A PRIEST of the Diocese of Bacolod scored the inclusion of condoms in the anti-Zika virus packets being distributed by the Department of Health, including those received by residents of Barangay Alijis in Bacolod City from Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday.
Fr. Felix Pasquin, rector of San Sebastian Cathedral, yesterday said the distribution of kits to contain the emerging virus infection is laudable, but there is deception because a contraceptive is included.
“To insert condoms is deceptive,” he added.
Pasquin pointed out there are other practical measures such as sanitation and cleanliness that can prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.
“Why resort to the use of other means that can once again provoke controversy,” the priest added.
Hontiveros led the distribution of 100 anti-Zika virus packets to Alijis residents, including pregnant women.
Each packet contains mosquito nets, repellants, condoms, and reading materials related to the virus infection.
The distribution activity was initiated in partnership with the DOH and the City of Bacolod. It is part of the health promotion and disease prevention strategies for all barangay health units advocated by Hontiveros.
“This is to reduce the public’s risk of contracting the virus,” Hontiveros said, adding that it also empowers local government units especially the barangays to respond in terms of preventive healthcare against Zika.
Moreover, Pasquin said the church’s opponents in the reproductive health debate have bannered condoms in their campaign.
“It goes to show that the fight on the issue of life has continued, that is why we never removed the tarpaulin in the Cathedral calling for the scrapping of RH law,” he added.
Hontiveros was among the seven senatorial candidates in 2013 listed by the Diocese of Bacolod under “Team Patay” for voting for the approval of the RH law.
The Diocese mounted the “Team Buhay, Team Patay” tarpaulin on the Cathedral’s façade. Included in Team Patay are Hontiveros, Juan Edgardo Angara, Francis Escudero, Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Teddy Casiño, and Jack Enrile as well as party-list groups Gabriela, Bayan Muna, Akbayan, and Anak Pawis.
Zika virus has similar symptoms with dengue and chikungunya, such as fever, rashes, headache, red eyes, and joint pain. Like other mosquito-borne viruses, Zika is also transmitted by Aedes aegypti.
Dr. Rodolfo Dumayas, development management officer of DOH-Negros Island Region, said that it can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse thus, the DOH is including in its campaign the use of condom as part of self-protection.
