Gov’t ready to tackle population growth

MANILA, Philippines - The government is ready to face the challenge of governing and providing sustainable programs for the country’s growing population of 100 million.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said this issue has been factored in the Philippine Development Plan of President Aquino from 2011 to 2016.

Coloma said the administration’s most important investment is the development of human resources.

It has notably been highlighted by Klaus Beck, representative of the UN Fund for Population Activities to the Philippines, he added.

Beck has been quoted: “The 100 millionth Filipino presents an opportunity for all partners and stakeholders to make the right investments in people now.”

Beck said this is important so the government can prepare the groundwork for thriving, sustainable cities, productive labor forces that fuel equitable growth.

“The youth can also contribute to the well-being of economies and societies and a generation of older people who are healthy and actively engaged in the social and economic affairs of their communities,” he said.

Speaking over state-run dzRB radio, Coloma said among the highlights of the government’s programs and reforms are the  K-12 educational program, where the national government devotes most of its resources, as evidenced in the yearly national budget, to the education sector.