MANILA - Malacañang has officially adopted the new Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028, a comprehensive blueprint for inter-agency collaboration aimed at optimizing demographic opportunities and addressing population challenges in the Philippines.
According to Philippines News Agency, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on November 14, the PPD-POA 2023-2028 aligns with the administration's socioeconomic development goals as outlined in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028. The memorandum emphasizes the need for support and cooperation from national government agencies, instrumentalities, and local government units (LGUs) for the successful implementation of the plan. The PPD-POA 2023-2028, developed by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), aims to provide a coordinated and holistic approach to population issues.
Under MC 40, the CPD is designated as the lead agency responsible for formulating and implementing comprehensive long-term plans and programs on population. The CPD's role includes coordinating with relevant government agencies and stakeholders to ensure the goals and objectives of the PPD-POA 2023-2028 are met. This includes monitoring and assessing the plan's implementation at various levels and reporting progress and concerns to the Office of the President through the Office of the Executive Secretary.
The CPD is also tasked with conducting comprehensive population and development research, establishing or analyzing population databases, and assisting institutions at national, regional, and local levels to integrate population dynamics into their development strategies. The agency is further responsible for building public and institutional awareness about the impact of population dynamics on socioeconomic development.
The memorandum underscores the importance of a whole-of-government approach in addressing population challenges and leveraging demographic opportunities to foster socioeconomic growth and development. MC 40 is effective immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette, marking a significant step in the government's efforts to integrate population considerations into its broader development agenda.