Talisay City creates population office

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City now has another department that will be called the “City Population Office.” 

This after the city council approved an ordinance on the third and final reading that seeks the creation of the new department, which will implement programs for population development or responsible parenthood. 

The ordinance also authorizes funds for the program. 

The measure is sponsored by city Councilor Bernard Joseph T. Odilao.

However, prior to the approval of the ordinance, opposition Councilor Danilo Caballero insisted that it is no longer necessary to create another department considering that it will be a duplication of an existing department, which is the city registrar’s office. 

Presently, city hall has more than 20 departments, including commissions.

But Odilao said the creation is based on the 1991 Local Government Code that empowers the local government to establish and create the City Population Office.

Odilao said it is imperative that an office is created to monitor and oversee its effects, and to make plans for the delivery of basic services and provide adequate facilities relative to the integration of the population development principles.

“The legislation of local ordinances and resolutions concerning our population are in place, there is a need to have a focal person to implement such Local Population Development Plans and Strategies upon approval by the city mayor,” he said.

Under Section 2 of the ordinance, the functions of the department will formulate measures for the consideration of the city council and provide technical assistance and support to the city mayor in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to the integration of the population development principles and in providing access to said services and facilities.

It will also make recommendations to the city council and advise the mayor on all matters relative to population development and the promotion of responsible parenthood.

Personnel include the department head, planning and monitoring unit head, planning assistant, data and information management unit head, information staff, population researcher, resource development staff, driver, and utility. (FREEMAN)