Back in 2014, the Department of Health (DOH) put out the "Inakup, Arekup" TV commercial to spread awareness about family planning and why it matters. The ad follows a young girl dealing with the struggles of being in a big family that wasn’t planned—she sells sampaguita on the streets, takes care of her siblings, and misses out on school. Through her song, she wonders why her parents didn’t think ahead, wishing for a better life where she isn’t always hungry or working. The ad ends with DOH’s message that planning a family means giving kids a better future. Interestingly, the phrase "Inakup... Arekup" is also the title of a song performed by Geneva Cruz in 1994, featured on her album "In the Name of Love." The expression is often used to convey surprise or frustration, which ties into the emotional weight of both the song and the family planning advocacy campaign.

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The story revolves around a young girl growing up in a large, struggling family. As a child, she quickly takes on responsibilities beyond her years, caring for multiple younger siblings instead of focusing on school. With each passing year, her family grows bigger, but their financial situation remains the same—forcing her to drop out due to a lack of money. She questions why her parents didn’t plan ahead, wondering what life could have been like if they had. She longs for a future where she and her siblings are well-fed, healthy, and able to continue their education. In the end, the message is clear: family planning leads to a better life.

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Lyrics:

Isang taon palang ako, nasundan na ni Toto,
Grade 2, walong taon pa lang, 
apat na bata ang inaalagaan!
Grade 6, labindalawa na ako,
kasingdami na ng pamilya ko
Sabi mo, "Pasensya na...
walang pera, kaya mag drop-out ka!"
Inakup sabi mo kami mahal n'yo,
Arekup ba't 'di kayo nagplano?
Sana hindi gutom at nag-aaral pa,
Alaga't malusog ang buong pamilya.
Ang planadong buhay ay maayos na buhay.

INAKUP AREKUP Family Planning DOH TVC 2014

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