Pass HB 3773 (The Responsible Parenthood and Population Management Act of 2005)

While most Asian countries have reduced their birth rates in recent years, the Philippines is growing at 2.36 percent annually, or 1.7 million new births every year, according to the Commission on Population. With a birth rate of 2.4 percent annually the Philippines could see its population double to between 160 and 170 million from the current 84 million within the next 30 years according to the government's Commission on Population.

Observers say the figures represent a massive burden on the Philippines. The increase in the number of Filipinos puts pressure not only on the delivery of basic services but also on the supply of natural resources and the environmental conditions. If our birth rate is to go unchecked, it will impact on food production, health and education services, the environment, housing and so on. It will be a major problem for any government.

The population situation has prompted warnings from Commission on Population executive director Tomas Osias, who says that unless the country addresses population growth now it will have a major impact on social and economic development in the future.

A private bill, (HB 3773)The Responsible Parenthood and Population Management Act of 2005, introduces sex education and enable the distribution of contraceptives. The bill sets in place a national policy that assures an adequate and continuing information on reproductive health and a full range of family planning methods (excluding abortion)

We urged administration and opposition lawmakers to set aside their differences and work together to pass a bill addressing the country's increasing population, reproductive health problems and child mortality.

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