CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD)- Region III is set to celebrate the Population and Development (POPDEV) Week on November 23-29, 2024, with the theme, “TAO ang puso ng pag-unlad.”
The theme underscores the critical role of population demographics in understanding the country’s developmental conditions, which can lead to sustainable social and economic growth. Having healthy, resilient, and economically productive workers is one factor in attaining the nation’s demographic window of opportunity. Thus, policies and programs centering around people’s development would contribute to the country’s overall progress.
POPDEV Week is an annual celebration established by Executive Order No. 76 to raise awareness about the interrelationship of population issues and development, intensify campaigns, and attract policies and programs on population concerns from various stakeholders.
Among the activities for POPDEV Week Celebration in the region includes the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) Stakeholders Appreciation Day on November 26, 2024 to honor and recognize the outstanding efforts of various regional partner agencies, local government units, and other stakeholders that have consistently contributed, promoted, and implemented the Philippine Population Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028 at the regional and local levels.
Regional Director Lourdes P. Nacionales said in a statement, “CPD Region III has been actively working to strengthen regional and local partners to implement programs and strategies that would address population and development issues and contribute to inclusive development” She further said that “the goal is to ensure that Central Luzon, nearing its first demographic transition, takes full advantage of the demographic dividend, a period of potential economic growth driven by a favorable age structure.”
Other activities of the region for the POPDEV Week include hanging streamers by various regional partner agencies and local government units , radio and TV interviews, and posting of social media cards.
“With full devolution in effect, it is crucial for LGUs to respond proactively to the needs of vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, the poor, and marginalized communities. The overarching aim is to scale up the POPDEV program, ensuring that more stakeholders are empowered to achieve the goals in the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028. The hope with prayer is that the efforts will continue to build upon past successes and contribute to lasting, sustainable development,“ RD Nacionales added.
The celebration of Population and Development Week is in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 76, S-1992 signed into law by then-President Fidel V. Ramos.
