Media Release: 17 March 2004

FILIPINO CARTOONS AN INNOVATIVE RESOURCE

A unique family planning and sexual health resource for the Filipino community will be launched at 4pm on Wednesday 25 March at Women's Health West, 317-319 Barkly Street Footscray, by Clare Amies, CEO of the Western Region Health Centre.

The cartoon booklet 'Ating pag-usapan ang seks' [Let's Talk About Sex] was produced through a three-way partnership between Women's Health West, Family Planning Victoria and the Centre for Philippine Concerns Australia, Victorian branch.

The first of its kind produced in Australia, Let's Talk About Sex draws on the long-standing Filipino tradition of conveying information through stories told in the form of strip cartoons in Tagalog, the main Filipino language. "We were fortunate to find Marta Tesoro and Maridel Andanar, a cartoonist and a scriptwriter who are both Filipino women," says Melissa Afentoulis, CEO of Women's Health West. "They ensured the stories and illustrations reflect the reality of Filipino women's lives."

"This method of health promotion was identified through consultation as effective and culturally appropriate," says Ms Afentoulis. "Tagalog is the sixth most-spoken language in the Western Region, yet the Filipino community has had few resources produced specifically for them." The booklet follows on from 'Chika Tayo', a CD and series of radio plays on women's health produced last year in Tagalog by Women's Health West and the Centre for Philippine Concerns, broadcast nationally on SBS and community radio.

There are two stories in the 16-page booklet. One features a young engaged couple asking contraception advice of their 'Ninang', or godmother. It explores myths, facts and cultural attitudes to different methods of contraception, emphasising that it is the responsibility of both men and women. The second story features the dilemma of a young woman being asked out by a popular boy. Her friends talk with her about safer sex, making good decisions, and the impact of sexually transmitted infections. The stories are followed by an explanation of various forms of contraception and contacts for finding out more information.

"This booklet is a good tool for our community, and it will help agencies provide appropriate services," says Maria Selga from the Centre for Philippines Concerns. "Information in people's first language means they can relate it to their own lives. It also encourages younger people maintain their language.

I acknowledge the assistance of WHW and FPV in funding this project," says Ms Selga, "and hope that our partnership will continue to help improve services for the Filipino community. I encourage the Filipino community to read and distribute these booklets, which will assist them in their settlement needs, and will inform isolated Filipinos in the rural areas."

While Family Planning Victoria has produced translated resources in other languages, this booklet is their first in Tagalog. "It's great for us to extend our services to the Filipino community," says CEO Lynne Jordan. "We were pleased to collaborate with Women's Health West and the Centre for Philippines Concerns to produce such a unique resource." Let's Talk About Sex will be distributed through Migrant Resource Centres, Filipino community organisations and groups, women's health services, Family Planning Victoria services, community health centres and GPs.

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MEDIA CONTACT

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact our Chief Executive Officer Melissa Afentoulis or our Communications Officer on 9689 9588 or via email.