by Noel Baguio
As the debate on the RH Bill heats up, an official of the Population Commission (POPCOM) clarified that the government’s population management program (PPMP) is not only about birth control.
POPCOM-11 regional director Maduh Damsani belied some sentiments charging the government’s population program has been largely implemented to limit the country’s birth rate.
“The government’s population program is not only about limiting our population,” he told officials and employees of Davao del Norte during the recent convocation program at the Bulwagan in Tagum City.
Dir. Damsani said the government has been pushing the program to let the citizens understand the implications of population growth to the development of our country.
He said it is important for the people to fully understand the relationship of economic growth and rapid population growth.
The World Bank reports that countries with the most rapid rate of annual population growth and the lowest level of contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) appear to have no progress at all in reducing the level of dire poverty.
“If rapid population growth is left unchecked, we will constantly face lack of resources in addressing the perennial problems on health, education, livelihood, environment, peace and order, among other concerns,” he said.
He added that every year, about two million new-born babies are added to the population, and that the country’s estimated population of 90 million to 95 million will double within the next 30 years if the birth rate does not decline.
Studies have shown that developing countries with rapid population growth do not make substantial improvements in poverty reduction and per capita income.
Damsani further explained the PPMP upholds the freedom of couples to choose available family planning services suitable to them and that it respects cultural and religious beliefs in support of responsible parenthood.
“The program ensures that poor couples are guaranteed access to family planning services,” he said, adding that the Philippine Constitution allows couples the responsibility to decide and the right to have many children as they want, in accordance with their religious beliefs.
He added the program is anchored on the principles of responsible parenthood, birth spacing, respect for life, and informed choice.
“We enjoin couples to observe birth spacing for the health of both the mothers and their babies,” he said.
According to him, birth spacing allows the mother to recover physically and emotionally because everytime a mother gives birth she loses many blood and micronutrients in her body. The mother needs at least two years to fully recover before attempting the next pregnancy, he explained.
Damsani also recognized the efforts of the province, particularly in strengthening responsible parenting, family planning and the promotion of population education, including the accomplishment of Davao del Norte as a consistent champion in the population quiz for the last five years.
