CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) continues to advocate for responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable population growth in Central Luzon.
CPD Regional Director Lourdes Nacionales underscored the agency’s commitment to balancing fertility rates, ensuring family planning accessibility, and promoting gender-responsive development policies.
She emphasized that family planning is crucial in achieving economic stability, as it allows families to make informed decisions about the number and spacing of their children.
With this, Nacionales highlighted the success of the Philippines in reducing its total fertility rate to an average of two children per woman, citing this is a result of intensified family planning efforts in collaboration with national government agencies, civil society groups, and the media.
However, she also noted a growing trend where some young couples are choosing not to have children, which, if unchecked, could lead to demographic and economic challenges similar to those faced by countries like Japan and Singapore.
“At this point, we are not yet at risk of a population decline, as our median age in Region 3 remains young at 26 years old. However, balance is key. We want to maintain a sustainable population growth rate that supports economic stability and family well-being,” Nacionales explained.
Aside from family planning, CPD also actively advocates for gender equality and women’s empowerment as integral components of population and development policies.
Nacionales said that while the country has one of the smallest gender gaps among developing nations, more work is needed to achieve true equality.
“Initiatives for women’s empowerment aim to ensure equal opportunities, as women still face societal challenges. We need to continue promoting gender-responsive programs to bridge the remaining gaps,” she added.
As part of its response programs, CPD continues to work with the Department of Health and local government units to provide access to free modern family planning methods such as pills and condoms, ensuring that reproductive health services reach communities effectively.
Nacionales also underscored the need for parents to take an active role in educating their children about reproductive health and responsible decision-making.
She pointed out that misinformation and lack of proper guidance contribute to issues such as teenage pregnancy and early marriage.
“Open discussions within families about reproductive health and sexuality education can help prevent unintended pregnancies and promote responsible decision-making among young people,” she said.
Additionally, CPD reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible parenthood, gender equality, and sustainable population development as key pillars for national progress.
“Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, the agency aims to create a society where every individual can make informed choices about their reproductive health and future,” Nacionales said. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)