Resolving pressing population issues, creating sustainable cities and making migration a choice for Filipinos are among the top priorities of the Philippines in the next four years, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).
In a statement delivered at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Monday, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said these are the priorities of the country in order to meet the vision of Filipinos under AmBisyon Natin 2040.
Pernia spoke on behalf of the Philippines at the recent 51st session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD).
“The Philippines is now on a path of consistently strong economic growth. This growth is among the development goals laid out by our government in the context of the Filipinos’ long term: ‘Our Ambition 2040’,” Pernia said.
“[The country] envisions a prosperous, upper middle-class society where no one is poor; where people live long and healthy lives, and are smart and innovative; and a high-trust society where families thrive in vibrant, culturally diverse, and resilient communities,” he added.
The Philippines also called on developed countries and partners to continue supporting developing countries in transforming its cities into sustainable cities and supporting international migration through stronger international cooperation and partnerships.
“We also strongly call upon all countries to reach a global consensus that will advance CPD’s work for the betterment of human lives based on our common humanity, rather than cultural and national differences,” the Neda chief said.
Pernia added the Philippines is “aggressively pursuing” the implementation of the responsible parenthood and reproductive health law, which is consistent with the principles and goals of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD).
He also reported that the government has already lifted the temporary restraining order (TRO) on modern family planning, particularly on contraceptives.
In 2016 the Supreme Court issued a TRO on contraceptive distribution nationwide. This prevented the issuance of Certificates of Product Registration (CPRs) for contraceptives.
However, due to the lifting of the TRO, Pernia said more Filipinos use contraceptives up from 38 percent in 2013 to 40 percent in 2017.
This, Pernia said, resulted in a decline in total fertility rate from 3 children in 2013 to 2.7 children in 2017.
“The country recognizes the importance of addressing pressing population issues that hinder development. With more than 105 million Filipinos, the challenge to strike a balance between population and economic growth is more urgent than ever,” Pernia told the UN Population Fund.
In terms of creating sustainable cities, Pernia said the government has launched its “Build, Build, Build” program to promote connectivity and mobility nationwide.
Pernia said the government also has its “Green, Green, Green” program which aims to transform the country’s 145 cities into more livable and sustainable communities, consistent with the New Urban Agenda.
He added the government has also required all local government units to prepare and implement land use plans and zoning policies.
“In terms of strengthening data on migration, the government will also conduct the first ever National Migration Survey this year to provide empirical data on migration patterns,” Pernia added.
Meanwhile, the Neda chief said the government is bent on seeing the completion of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration which gives hope to the dream of making international migration a choice, not a necessity for Filipinos.
Pernia also said the government has also revised the Magna Carta for Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos to help reintegrate millions of overseas Filipinos.
He said the government is committed to providing Overseas Filipino Workers with welfare and legal services wherever they are through its many labor and consular offices worldwide.
“While we recognize the economic contribution of overseas Filipinos, we remain firm on making international migration a choice rather than a desperate act. As such, we continue to seriously address issues such as lack of gainful jobs that compel Filipinos to leave the country,” Pernia said.
These goals and commitments are consistent with the country’s efforts to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The SDGs or Global Goals is a set of 17 socioeconomic goals that 193 United Nation-member countries like the Philippines committed to meet by 2030. The goals are composed of around 169 targets and over 300 global indicators. The SDGs were adopted in September 2015.
The Global Goals aim to end poverty and hunger, promote universal health, education for all and lifelong learning, achieve gender equality, sustainable water management, ensure sustainable energy for all, decent work for all, resilient infrastructure, and reduce income inequality between and among countries.
The goals also include create sustainable cities, ensure sustainable consumption and production, take action against climate change, conserve and sustainably use oceans and marine resources, reduce biodiversity loss, achieve peaceful and inclusive societies, and revitalize global partnership for development.