By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The NHA 2025 GADering was held here on Friday (March 28) at the NHA covered court.
The event was part of the culminating activity in this year’s celebration of Women’s Month.
Among the participants are from PAGCOR Director Francis Democritus Concordia, Director Eric Baldos, NHMFC. NDA, and Commission on Population Development (CPD).
Marissa Subido, focal person, welcomed all the officials and representatives from government agencies and other stakeholders.
Corcordia said that PAGCOR Chairman Al Tengco is extending his support and congratulations to the 2025 NHA GADering.
He added that PAGCOR will be giving away tumbler, umbrella, bag, and other token.
“For this year our theme is Infrastructure,” Concordia said.
“We will continuously be supporting the NHA in its endeavors,” he added.
PAGCOR is the major sponsor of NHA in its eight-point agenda.
Acting Regional Director Jacklyn D. Robel, of Commission on Population and Development-NCR, said that they are happy that the CPD was invited to be the resource person in today’s culminating activity.
Robel tackled about the programs and projects for the empowerment of women.
Because of the devolution, Robel said that they were mandated to distribute pills, condoms and other family planning devices.
She noted that the CPD was popularly known as Commission on Population (PopCom) since 1969, specifically mandated to implement the Family Planning Program of the government.
Robel cited the alarming data that more teenagers are getting pregnant or an increase in teenage pregnancy and more children are infected with STI-HIV.
She noted the high population growth in the 1970s.
The CPD was transferred to NEDA in 2019.
Robel said that the demographic population of 15-59 age group, which is 64%, should be harnessed and integrated into population development.
The NCR has a population of 13 million based on the census of 2020 and has a “daytime population” and a “night time population”, which is the second most favorite of migrants.
“We are affected by climate change, global warming, hence the LGU needs the population data for the delivery of basic services,” Robel said.
The CPD is training the youth for them to teach others about population development, how to prevent teenage pregnancy, and awareness and prevention of STI-HIV.
The CPD is also collaborating with DSWD and PSA pertaining to the issuance of a marriage certificate to an individual.
The CPD likewise partners with City Health Offices to facilitate Responsible Parenthood and implement the Family Planning Program.
The participants signed in the Commitment to Strengthen GAD Programs. ###
