Population commission seeks new image of family planning as empowering couples

THecommissiononpopulation and Development (Popcom) aims to change the image of family planning in the coming years to better improve the lives of Filipino families.

Undersecretary for Population and Development Juan Antonio Perez III said during a recent Usaptayo episode aired on social media that family planning is not only about limiting the number of children a couple can have but also planning their future.

Perez said family planning is also about giving parents and couples the freedom to create their desired future for their family. This, he said, will also bring growth and development to the Philippines.

Family planning means a couple has a strategic view of raising a family whichmeansyouarenotonlyplanning how many children you have but also their future, Perez said in Filipino.

Perez said family planning is a path toward a stable, comfortable and secure life, or “Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay,” which is the vision offilipinosbasedon“ambisyon2040.”

He said improving the quality of life of Filipino families does not only fall on the shoulders of the government but also on the shoulders of every household.

Popcom said the national and local governments have put in place measures to safeguard and promote a Filipino child’s welfare and wellbeing, as well as interventions that protect kids from serious health and development concerns.

“As the government responds to the needs of Filipino families, especially in terms of health and education during the health crisis and a growing young population, Popcom continues to address the most significant and emerging issues surrounding their capacities as contributors to national development and its pursuit of the elusive ‘demographic dividend,’ with our children, of course, factored-in into the equation,” Perez noted.