(Eagle News) — The country’s population reached nearly 107 million and is expected to still increase before year-end.
Based of the data released by the Commission on Population (POPCOM) on September 17, this year’s population has reached 106,512,074.
This is already two million higher than the 2017 population which was recorded at 104,918,090.
There are more than 200 babies born every one hour in a day which is equivalent to two million people being added to the country’s population yearly, according to the POPCOM.
Because of this, the Commission is now conducting different programs to control population growth.
PopCom’s NCR Regional Director Lydio Español said this includes the strict implementation of Executive Order No. 12 which covers details the measures to implement and intensify the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act.
The commission is also intensifying its campaign through the Family Development Sessions particularly for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in the depressed areas.
Under the Family Development Sessions, responsible parenthood and proper family planning is thought to communities.
Español said they are also conducting house visits to inform households about the importance of population control.
“Ginagawa pa rin namin ang mga outreach mission. Pinupuntahan yung mga malalayong lugar, nagdadala kami ng isang team — may doctor, nurses, may midwives, barangay health workers — para maabot sila dun sa mga libreng serbisyo. Sa mga health centers naman, nandun yung mga population volunteers kasama ang mga Barangay health workers. Sila naman ang nagbabahay-bahay. Naniniwala kami na ang pangunahing target audience dito sa Family planning program ay yung medyo naghihirap sa buhay kasi yung mga mahihirap sila pa yung marami ang anak,” Español said in an interview over Net25’s Agila Balita Alas Dose.