The Philippines’ observance of World Population last July 11 kicked off the campaign “The World at 7 Billion: Counting on Each Other,” highlighting opportunities for cooperation to address the challenges posed by a growing population.

World population is projected to reach 7 billion on October 31 this year and UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, supports a series of activities to engage partners and the general public to underline the significance of this population milestone. In the Philippines, population stands at 94 million and is growing at 2.04 per cent every year.

On World Population Day, nearly 2,000 people participated in a march in Manila that aimed to draw attention to issues affecting the population, specifically poverty reduction, women’s rights, opportunities for young people, reproductive health, environment sustainability, health of elderly and urban migration.

The march culminated at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium where representatives from national government agencies, local government units, civil society, faith-based organization, people’s organizations, and artists expressed support and made calls to action on the said issues.

UNFPA Representative Ugochi Daniels said the 7 billion milestone is significant especially for the Philippines where one in four Filipinos is poor, 11 maternal deaths take place daily, young people do not know how to prevent unwanted pregnancies, HIV prevalence is increasing, and the effects of climate change wreak extensive damages to properties and lives.

Daniels said reducing inequities and improving living standards for people today and the future will require new ways of thinking and cooperation.

“Protecting reproductive health and rights is fundamental to our collective future and sustainable development. Together we can meet the needs of Filipino women who want to plan and space their births but do not have access to modern contraception. Together we can prevent the deaths of 11 mothers every day from complications of pregnancy and childbirth,” Daniels said.

Currently about 2 million babies are added to the Philippines’ population each year, with the poor women bearing the brunt as they average six children – two more than they desire – due to lack of access to family planning information and services.

UNFPA also called attention to young Filipinos, who constitute one-fourth of the population. “We have an opportunity and responsibility to invest in their future. Every young person deserves education, including sexuality education, and access to comprehensive health services. With the right policies, investments and social support, young people can enjoy healthier lives free of poverty and enhance prospects for peace and stability,” Daniels pointed out.

Local government units that supported the event and sent participants to the march included Pasay City, Valenzuela City, Quezon City, Mandaluyong City, Paranaque City and Marikina City. Also participating were delegates from national government agencies Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), National Youth Commission (NYC), Commission on Population (POPCOM), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Health (DOH), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP).

Civil society organizations that supported the event included the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development, The Forum for Family Planning and Development, Philippine NGO Council, Likhaan Center for Women’s Health, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines, Democratic Socialist Women of the Philippines, Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated, and inter-faith organizations. Private sector representatives came from Friendly Care and DKT International. The presence of the youth was very prominent in the event with the participation of various youth groups such as the RHAN Youth, Akbayan Youth, BALUTI, PAMAQ-C, PILAKK Youth, Y-Peer, FPOP Youth, Likhaan Youth, Makalaya, NYC organizations, YAP, PM-Youth,SDK-Youth, Filipino Freethinkers, DSWP-Youth and the Alliance of Young Nurse Leaders and Advocates (AYNLA).