Mandatory Establishment of Provincial, City and Municipal Population Office

Sendit Oiler of tie Burny AUG 20 P5:04 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE 1233 S. No. — Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POPULATION DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN ALL PROVINCES, CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, AMENDING, FOR THE PURPOSE, SECTION 488 (A) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991", AS AMENDED EXPLANATORY NOTE The Local Government Code of 1991, or Republic Act No. 7160, provides in

Section 488 that the appointment of a population officer shall be optional in the local

government unit. Provided, however, that provinces and cities which have existing population offices shall continue to maintain such offices for a period of five (5) years from the date of effectivity of this Code, after which said offices shall become optional. As our nation progresses, cities and municipalities are witnessing unprecedented population growth. More people tend to live in suburban and rural areas, leading to population surges. This increase significantly impacts governance, resource allocation, infrastructure, health services, and community well-being. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the country's midyear population is projected to reach 138.67 million by 2055. This represents an additional 29.47 million people from the projected 109.20 million in 2020. While the annual growth rate is expected to decrease from 0.84% (2020-2025) to 0.35% (2050-2055),

these figures emphasize the need for sustained and well-coordinated population management initiatives across all LGUs. 1 The Philippines is a country characterized by a rapidly growing population, which poses both challenges and opportunities for national development. To address these demographic dynamics effectively, this proposed legislation mandates the establishment of a Population Development Office (PDO) in all local government units (LGUs). The purpose of this office is to ensure that population-related concerns are integrated into local development plans, with a particular focus on promoting responsible parenthood and the well-being of Filipino families. The increasing population of the Philippines has significant implications for resource allocation, public services, and overall national development. The growth of the population, while reflective of the country's vitality, also brings with it the risk of overwhelming local infrastructures, such as education, healthcare, and social services. Therefore, it is crucial for LGUs to have a dedicated office that addresses population concerns at the local level and promotes sustainable development. The PDO will serve as a vital entity in providing comprehensive education and resources on population management and responsible parenthood. Its role will include ensuring that all parents and prospective parents are equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions about family planning and child- rearing. While curbing population growth is an important goal, this bill recognizes that the ultimate objective is far greater: to secure the proper development and well-being of all Filipino children. The creation of a PDO in each LGU aims to foster well-rounded individuals who are raised in environments that support their mental, physical, and emotional growth. It also seeks to encourage responsible parenthood as a cornerstone of nation-building. By doing so, the country invests not just in controlling population growth, but in 1 https://psa.gov.ph/content/philippine-population-projected-be-around-13867-million-2055-under-scenario-

building a society where every child is cared for, educated, and equipped to contribute meaningfully to the nation's progress. Furthermore, the PDO will play a critical role in aligning local population policies with national objectives, such as poverty alleviation, economic sustainability, and environmental protection. This bill's approach to population management is not simply focused on curbing population growth, but on ensuring that every Filipino child is raised by parents who are equipped with the proper tools and information for responsible parenthood. The establishment of a Population Development Office in every LGU will serve as a proactive measure in ensuring the well-being of future generations, thereby securing a stronger, more prosperous Philippines. The passage of this bill is essential to integrating population development into local governance, fostering responsible parenthood, and ensuring that all Filipino children grow in a nurturing and supportive environment. Through the collaboration of LGUs and national agencies, the Philippines can create a sustainable future where the growth of its population is matched by the growth of its resources and the capabilities of its citizens. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID K Senator

senate offer of the Bet clare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 25 AUG 20 P5:04 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1233 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid MANDATING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A POPULATION DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IN ALL PROVINCES, CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, AMENDING, FOR THE PURPOSE, SECTION 488 (A) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 1991", AS AMENDED Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Mandatory Establishment of Provincial, City and Municipal Population Office of 2024".

Sec. 2. Population Development Office. - There shall be a mandatory

establishment of Population Development Office (PDO) in every province, city and municipality with the necessary budgetary appropriations covering the current operating expenditures and capital outlays.

Sec. 3. Function. - The PDO shall be provided with a full staff complement

headed by a Population Development Officer as may be determined by the chief executive of the local government unit concerned. The Office shall perform the following functions: (1) Establish and maintain a comprehensive, integrated and updated population development information system that contains household

demographic and socio-economic profile to be used in analyzing population needs and projecting service requirements; (2) Recruit, organize and mobilize Barangay Population Workers and other community workers or volunteers for data generation, household demographic and socio-economic profiling, and community health promotion and advocacy; (3) Assist other local department in generating and projecting population development data needed in their planning and program development functions and provide technical assistance in integrating population development needs and gender dimensions in their sectoral development programs and projects, particularly marginalized and indigenous people; (4) Design and undertake Population Development related services, studies and researches; (5) Establish mechanisms for monitoring in-and out migration movement and human settlement patterns especially across ecosystems for planning and programming and formulate measures for the development of effective urban management strategies; (6) Promote responsible parenthood and family planning (FP), particularly through the conduct of Information Education Communication Motivation (IECM), demand generation activities, and ensure provision of referral of appropriate FP services; (7) Oversee, coordinate and manage the implementation of Pre-Marriage Counselling (PMC) at the local level pursuant to the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the "Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2021"; (8) Formulate and implement measures to prevent unintended pregnancies among young people and promote adolescent health and youth development; and

(9) Engage, collaborate and partner with relevant government agencies such as the Department of Health (DOH), Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and Civil Society Organizations and other private organizations for the purpose of ensuring that the appropriate family planning methods are available and that services are provided; (10) Generate and mobilize necessary resources for the implementation of a family planning program within the locality; (11) Exercise other duties and functions, as may be prescribed by a local ordinance and legal issuances.

Sec. 4. Amendment to the Local Government Code. - Section 488 of the

Republic Act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Act of 1991, as amended, particularly Title V (Appointive Local Officials Common to All Municipalities, Cities and Provinces) is hereby amended further to be read as follows: Article XVII. The Population DEVELOPMENT Officer

Section 488. Qualifications, Powers and Duties. - (a) xxx

The appointment of a population DEVELOPMENT officer shall be foptional MANDATORY in the local government unit: Provided, however, That provinces, (and] cities, AND MUNICIPALITIES which have existing population DEVELOPMENT offices shall continue to maintain such offices [for a period of five (5) years from the date of effectivity of this code, after which said effices shall become optional

Sec. 5. Separability Clause. - If any part of this Act is invalid or unconstitutional,

the remaining parts or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and 26 effect.

Sec. 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

ordinances, circulars, rules and regulations inconsistent with any provisions of this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect 15 days after its publication in

5 two newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette. Approved,