CDO, CPD-X ink deal for population development programs, services

THE city can now optimize its demographic opportunities and address pressing population issues to support and accelerate its socio-economic development.

This development follows the enactment of an ordinance by the 20th City Council during its regular session on Monday, presided over by Presiding Officer Pretemporal Councilor Romeo V. Calizo, authorizing City Mayor Rolando A. Uy to enter into and sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Commission on Population and Development-Region X (CPD-X) for the implementation of effective and efficient population and development (POPDEV) programs and services in the city.

In his letter to the City Council, Mayor Uy underscored that the initiative aligns with the mandates of local government units under the Local Government Code of 1991, which includes the delivery of family planning and population development services as part of basic welfare functions. It also supports the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA), approved by the President through Memorandum Circular No. 40.

Under the MOA, CPD-X will provide technical assistance and collaborate with the city in assessing and enhancing capacity-building interventions. This includes improving the competencies of local staff and leaders in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating POPDEV strategies.

The agency will also offer timely coaching and mentoring to relevant local managers and officials.

In return, the city commits to mobilizing its local structures and resources to meet the shared objectives of the agreement and sustain POPDEV strategies by integrating them into local development plans and investment programs.

Moreover, the city will establish and maintain a reliable POPDEV database to support the implementation and assessment of local strategies, including systems like the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM) and the Family Planning Information System (FPIS).

The city shall further monitor and evaluate the outcomes of these strategies to ensure continuous improvement as well as engage civil society organizations, people’s organizations, development partners, and other relevant institutions to promote participatory implementation.

Certified as urgent by Mayor Uy, the legislation was unanimously approved by the 20th City Council. (JAOclarit/SP)