 In Sorsogon City (Region 5), the City Mayor issued in February of 2015 a “pro-life” resolution prohibiting the distribution of contraceptives. An Ordinance criminalizing the dispensation of family planning commodities is pending in the City Council of Sorsogon.  In Iligan City (Region 10), a City Ordinance was passed asking women for donations before they can avail of RH products and services. As this donation has fixed amount, this is tantamount to rendering these products and services as for sale. There is also a TRO on subdermal implant. The groups noted that women do not willingly seek services in the community. As mentioned above, many of them lack awareness of the services available. When they do visit health centers, there are no staff available to conduct family planning services, or commodities are unavailable or “out of the stock”. Specifically, the participants listed the following factors that hinder women in accessing RH services in their communities.  Lack of information on the services and good available, who to approach, how to avail, etc.  Geographical location of healthcare services. The father the location is, the more difficult for healthcare clients to access these goods and services.  Negative experience due to unfriendly, insensitive, and discriminatory attitudes of service providers  Religion and cultural beliefs - traditional women opt to resort to culturally-based beliefs and practices.  Women are discouraged because of the prevailing “palakasan system” wherein goods and services are extended only to those clients they know or favor.  The fear of spending too much on RH goods and services and the fear of generally submitting themselves for medical care also overpower the desire of these women to access RH services  Fear of the perceived side effects of contraceptives  Uncooperative male spouses / Partners are not supportive  Stigma against persons with sexually transmitted diseases /HIV. 17