DAVAO CITY — Population Commission 11 (Davao) marked the fourth birthday of five 100 millionth “symbolic babies” here Friday to highlight the importance of maternal and neonatal health.
Popcom-11 Information Officer Sheryll Jane Sanico-Fernandez said the event also aims to underscore the significance of responsible parenthood and family planning.
“On July 27, 2014, at 12:06 a.m., the Philippines turned 100 million in population. It was then that the Davao region welcomed the five babies,” Fernandez said.
The “100 millionth” babies in the region, who turned four on Friday, are Glaiza T. Torcino of Barangay Lucod, Baganga, Davao Oriental; Jhon Kenneth O. Lamintao of Barangay New Sibonga, Nabunturan, Compostela Valley; Catherine Jane M. Fuentes of Purok 2, Barangay Urban Salvacion, Panabo City, Davao del Norte; Natsumi Kyle S. Magnifico of Purok 13, Barangay San Vicente, Panabo City, Davao del Norte; and Harrisson Ford C. Butulan of Barangay 76-A Bucana, Davao City.
Anchored on the theme “Sa Ika-Apart na Taon, Pagtataguyod sa Pangkalahatang Kapakanan ni Baby”, this year’s commemoration of the 100 millionth babies aims to highlight the bigger challenge that confronts the family’s capability to respond to the needs and aspirations of their children.
As symbolic children, Fernandez said Popcom continues to monitor their developmental status as part of the agency’s continuous advocacy in providing immediate basic services to children, especially on health and education.
She said the babies’ parents have expressed satisfaction over the government services extended to their children, particularly the provision of regular health check-ups, proper nutrition, complete immunization, and comprehensive health care.
“The regular monitoring and advocacy of population and health workers on responsible parenthood and family planning have heightened their appreciation of the value and importance of proper child spacing and family planning. One mother opted for bilateral tubal ligation and while the others preferred taking pills to avoid unwanted pregnancies,” Fernandez said. (Armando Fenequito, Jr./PNA)
