MENSTRUAL and reproductive health remain sensitive topics for discussion in the Philippines. Due to this, many Filipino adolescents, especially girls, remain oblivious of vital information about the biological processes, hygiene practices, and emotional aspects related to menstruation.

But they may have a better chance of getting the help they need. In time for the global celebration of Menstrual Hygiene Day on Sunday, May 28, several government agencies launched on Friday a period tracker app designed to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene among Filipina adolescents.

This is a joint project by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), and National Youth Commission (NYC), with the support of international organization United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Australian Government, and Plan International.

According to UNICEF, the Oky Period Tracker app is a mobile application made for and by Filipino girls that intends to help girls and young women manage their period cycles and learn more about their bodies.

“With Oky you can track how your period affects your body and mood so you can get to know you, get personalized predictions so you can plan ahead, and learn the facts with trustworthy information and tips to stay healthy and happy,” read the short blurb for the app.

It also aims to counter menstrual health myths and misconceptions that are proliferating on social media and obstruct “girls’ access to important information critical to understanding their right to reproductive health,” as per UNICEF.

Commission on Population and Development Executive Director Lisa Grace Bersales noted that physical changes during puberty could be challenging. This is why it is crucial to provide Filipino girls with the correct information about menstruation to help them cope with the struggles of growing up, Bersales said. 

“Physical changes during adolescence could be stressful but with appropriate information, young girls can be guided to ensure their hygiene and physical wellness,” she said.

The POPCOm director said the commission plans to promote the use of the app to all relevant institutions, especially local governments and schools, as part of its efforts to empower boys and girls.

The Philippine app was developed based on Oky, the world’s first-ever menstruation education and period tracker app co-created by UNICEF with girls for girls. 

A similar app was also launched in several countries including Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Tanzania, India, Indonesia, Ukraine, and other parts of the world.

To localize the app, UNICEF said it worked and consulted with girls living in different contexts in the Philippines, including indigenous people, out-of-school youth, and children with disabilities.

After the discussions with them, the data was forwarded to adolescent health experts from government agencies and development organizations for vetting. 

The Oky Period Tracker app also includes content that is relevant to the Islamic community and culture as it was co-created with adolescents in the Bangsamoro region.

The period tracker app is available in both English and Tagalog languages.

How it works

Upon signing up for the app, users will be asked to provide basic information about themselves, such as their name, birth month, year of birth, religion, gender identity, and if they have some disabilities.

It will also ask the users some questions about their last menstrual cycle to help them track their next period. They can input their moods and activities on the app as well.

Aside from tracking the menstrual cycle, the app also has several other features under the Encyclopedia section. Here, users can click each tile and learn relevant information about menstruation, relationships, family planning, myths and feelings regarding menstruation, puberty, beauty and fashion, taking care of the skin, violence against women, mental health, gender identities, and other aspects of health and nutrition. 

It also includes a category for Filipino men to help them understand how menstruation works and how they can help female family members, friends, and partners during their period.

The app was officially launched through the Oky for you, Oky for Me: Say hello to the period tracker app for Filipino girls, by Filipino girls event on May 26.

It tackled concerns regarding menstrual health and hygiene. Organizers also demonstrated the use of the app to help the audience learn how to navigate the platform.

Oky Period Tracker is downloadable for free on both Android and iOS devices.