Strengthening Population and Development Initiatives: A Recap of the 1st Quarter POPDEV Meeting

Butuan City, March 28, 2025– The 1st Quarter Meeting on Population and Development (POPDEV) Program Implementation was held on March 28, 2025, at the PASSO Conference Room, Capitol Compound, Butuan City. Attended by key stakeholders, including Mr. Jayson Patalinghug, the meeting focused on assessing accomplishments, strategizing for future initiatives, and ensuring the effective localization of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD POA) 2023-2028.  

Key Discussions and Accomplishments

The meeting opened with a review of the POPDEV Accomplishment Report, highlighting the progress made in implementing population management and family planning programs across the region. Updates on the localization of the PPD POA 2023-2028 were also presented, emphasizing the need for synchronized efforts among local government units (LGUs) to align their programs with national objectives.  

One critical agenda item was the status of family planning commodities per LGU. Ensuring the availability and accessibility of these commodities remains a priority, with discussions centering on addressing supply gaps and improving distribution mechanisms.  

Upcoming Demand Generation Activities

To bolster community engagement, the body discussed the scheduling of demand generation activities aimed at increasing awareness and participation in family planning and adolescent health programs. These activities are designed to empower communities with accurate information and encourage proactive health-seeking behaviors.  

Partnerships and Funding Commitments

A significant highlight of the meeting was the commitment of Mr. Tristan Amante to fund two major activities in the Municipality of Remedios T. Romualdez (RTR):  

1. Parent-Teen Talk (May 2025) – A forum designed to foster open communication between parents and adolescents on reproductive health, responsible parenthood, and adolescent development.  

2. Peer Health Navigators Training (July 2025) – A capacity-building initiative for students of Agay National High School and Balang-Balang National High School, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to guide their peers on health and wellness issues.  

These programs underscore the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in advancing POPDEV goals, particularly in promoting informed decision-making among youth and families.  

Moving Forward  

As the meeting concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening POPDEV initiatives through sustained partnerships, timely reporting, and proactive community engagement. With the support of local leaders like Mr. Amante and the dedication of implementers like Mr. Patalinghug, the region is poised to make significant strides in population management and sustainable development.  

The next steps include close monitoring of the scheduled activities, continuous commodity tracking, and further collaboration with stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the POPDEV agenda.  

For updates on upcoming POPDEV activities, follow the official social media pages of the Provincial Population Office and your local government units.