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Education, health basis for early dev’t

By Wilnard Bacelonia

July 26, 2022, 6:07 pm

MANILA – The Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) underscored on Tuesday the significance of every birth in a family, especially within the context of development, as the “Symbolic 100 millionth Filipinos” program turns eight on Wednesday.

POPCOM considers deliveries in local state hospitals historic as they mark a milestone for the Philippine population.

On July 27, 2014, when the country’s citizens were estimated to have breached 100 million, POPCOM selected newborns whose births signaled the rollout of essential services to ensure the well-being and development of each.

Since then, POPCOM has closely monitored the growth and development of the children and their families, maintaining that securing the excellent state of education and health of the country’s young citizens should be prioritized to prepare them to lead the nation’s growth and progress.

In a statement, Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III, POPCOM Executive Director, said despite continuous collaboration of their regional offices with local government units, they cannot do it alone.

“The huge roles of parents and community play the biggest part in a child’s development, which are complemented with help and support that the government can provide,” he said.

Amid the challenges, Perez said they combine their efforts with a common goal to achieve the desired stable, comfortable and secured lives, especially for children.

POPCOM calls them benchmarks on how national and local governments have to look after young Filipinos, with focus on their learning and growth, as well as maternal and child care.

Perez said that continuous monitoring of the development of the particular group of young Filipinos serves as an indicator of the Philippine government’s services under the Philippine Population and Development Program.

“Our wish is for the families of the children to be models in their respective communities, where they are guided on their ways in ensuring that each single member, especially the kids, can be healthy, productive and empowered,” he said. (PNA)

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