by Lita Sandoval
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental — Executive Director Tomas M. Osias of the Commission of Population (PopCom) has called on all Filipinos "to care for everyone to ensure that each of us will live according to our goals and aspirations" even as he calls for the people's support of the Reproductive Health Bill.
Osias sounded the call during the celebration of the 2011 World Population Day held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila, last July 11.
"We are geared towards reaching the 7th billion population of the world. In October 31, 2011, we will all become part of the seven billion people who are given the chance to live in this world.
And today, we will start that countdown as we celebrate the 2011 World Population Day," he said.
"Seven billion is not just about numbers. We look and reflect on the lives of the people around us, on our very lives, and we can see that 7 billion means a joyous but more importantly a challenging reality," Osias said.
He added that 7 billion people is a celebration of 7 billion faces with whom we share the world and for whom we live our lives that gives meaning to our existence.
But the reality is, as he said, sheer numbers, example number of children, alone affect the capacity of the population as people to live a quality life.
Meanwhile, he said the celebration of the World Population Day was highlighted by
reducing poverty and inequality that also slows population growth and unleashing the power of women and girls to accelerate progress.
It is also highlighted by the fact that the largest population of young people is changing our world and future, ensuring that every child is wanted and every safe child's birth leads to smaller and stronger families.
"All 7 billion of us, and those who follow, depend on the health of our planet and that the ageing population can contribute much to their family, community and country if they remain active in the workplace. And that the next two billion people will live in cities, so we need to plan now," Osias said.
These messages spell out the major dimensions of having a world with 7 billion people.
In the perspective of policy formulation, the "World at Seven Billion," is not only a call for sound population management program but more importantly for effective strategies that ensure equal opportunities for all.
He added that together, we can make a difference in the life of the people we care for. We can create an enabling policy environment that will empower couples and individuals to make informed choice/decision on the number, timing and spacing of children towards family health, welfare and development.
"Let us do our share, Let us support the passage of the RH/FH POPDEV Bill," the POPCOM Executive Director concluded. (POPCOM/PIA-10)
