July 27 marks the 7th birthday of the Philippines’ symbolic 100 millionth babies. Seven years ago, the Commission on Population and Development with all its regional offices have set-foot in hospitals, lying-in and birthing clinics all over the country to identify the 100 babies who would symbolize the Philippine’s 100 million population.
As these children celebrate another milestone in their lives, the theme focuses on “Pagpapaunlad sa Pamilya: Tungo sa Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay” to highlight the importance of a functional family. POPCOM aims to bring back the value of having a family that will provide for the basic needs of the children and in turn support their development.
The year 2014 marked the demographic event that served as an eye-opener for all institutions that the country was then reaching a 100-million population record. In about seven years, the results of the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH) showed that our country has reached a population of 109 million.
In NCR, its population of 13.48 million based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing is higher than the 11.86 million posted in May 2010. In August 2015, the population of the 17 LGUs combined was at 12.877 million and in May 2000, it was at 9.93 million.
“The recent census data may have shown a slower population growth but the sheer number still poses a threat to the socioe-conomic conditions of Metro Manila residents, hence the need to further strengthen the population programs in the region”, POPCOM-NCR Regional Director Lydio M. Espanol, Jr. said.
The two symbolic babies have grown healthy and safe amidst the current health crisis that the whole nation is battling at. POPCOM remains to see this birthday as a challenge and opportunity. Challenge to address the socioeconomic concerns as more babies are expected to demand more services on health, education, shelter, food and other basic social services.
It is also an opportunity to intensify population programs both at the national and local levels and to provide information and education to leaders, policy-makers and the general population on the importance of accessing and availing of reproductive health services.
“POPCOM on its end will continue to monitor the growth and development of these children, they may no longer be babies but their development as young children are still crucial as we envision a better society led by them,” RD Espanol added.
A seven-year-old child in the Philippines is considered as a grade-schooler enrolled in an educational facility who is also fully immunized including booster doses. A child is also expected to have full-support on their health and well-being as benefits of their parents through PhilHealth Coverage. ###
