Program Promotion and Advocacy 

A. UNFPA 5^th Country Programme of Assistance

On its fourth year of implementation in the provinces of Aklan, Antique and Capiz, the Advocacy component of the project continued to embark on advocacy campaigns notably strengthening of alliances and partnerships with NGOs and civil societies.  IEC Advocacy Teams at the barangay level were firmly put in place. Collaboration between IEC and advocacy was reinforced,paving the way for a more synchronized operationalization of activities on RH supported by advocacy.

POPCOM in close partnership with the pilot provinces spearheaded the conduct of Legislators and Media Forum on the Population and Development and Reproductive Health Bills.  Senator Rodolfo Biazon and Bukidnon Representative Jose Nerius Acosta authors of Reproductive Health Bill (HB 4110) and POPDEV Bill, respectively were the presentors.  Over 200 legislators and advocates from the three pilot provinces pledged their support and commitment to the program.

The Summer Youth Camp in May was participated by 183 adolescents and 49 adults from Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Bago City.  Held at the Rafael Salas Park and Nature Center in Bago City, the youth took part in numerous interactive activities to reinforce their knowledge on Adolescent Reproductive Health and Youth Development and hone their skills in peer counseling and facilitating.

B. Population and Development (POPDEV) Week                                            November 23-29, 2003

THEME:   KABATAAN: Patatagin, Pangalagaan, Sila ang Pag-asa ng Kinabukasan. Ang Pamilyang Nakaplano, Panalo!"

Like in the previous years, the local government units remained the center of activities for the POPDEV Week celebration.  Technical assistance was rendered to LGUs in the implementation of activities in line with the celebration, like Oratorical contest in Roxas City; "POPBYTES" On-Air (population quiz on-air) in Aklan, and BSPO Congresses in the various LGUs.

C.  Special Events:

Populatuion Quiz (POPQUIZ)

Implemented under the Population Education (POPED) Program of the Department of Education in close coordination with the Commission on Population. Sixteen Division level contests were conducted with the support of the city and provincial population offices.

Regional Winners were:

First Place: Joann T. Constantino, Calimbajan Tina National High School, Makato, Aklan. 

Second Place: Rodalyn Biliran, Anilao National High School, Anilao, Iloilo

Third Place: Michelle Aurelie Semora, Iloilo City National High School, Iloilo City

Poster-Making Contest 

Theme: "Making 1 Billion Count: Investing on Adolescent  Health and Rights" 

Regional Winners:

Category 1 (10-12 yrs. old)                                                                                  First Place: Ma. Mafer M. Nadero, Jordan Central Elem. School                  Jordan, Guimaras                                                                                          Consolation Prizes:                                                                                        1. Chives Mio O. Maghari, Gov. Santos Capadocia Mem. School                        2. Regine C. Bagaloyos, SPED Training Center, Cadiz City

Category 2 (13-15 yrs. old)                                                                                 First Place: Nico N. Encarnacion, Antique Nat'l. High School, San Jose, Antique Consolation Prizes:                                                                                        1. Amethyst Amber D. Antiporda, St. Theresita's Academy, Silay City               2. Fernando Madero, Jr. Jordan Nat'l. High School, Jordan, Guimaras

Category 3 (16-19 yrs. old)                                                                                 First Place: Bel Mark Bacus, Dao Catholic High School, Tobias Fornier, Antique Consolation Prizes;                                                                                        1. Mary Jade Madero, Jordan Nat'l. High School, Jordan, Guimaras                   2. Frederick John Aquino, Carles, Iloilo

Category 4 (20-24 yrs. old)                                                                                 First Place: John A. Becaro, Andrea Village, Cadiz City, Negros Occ.

D. Rafael M. Salas Population and Development Award (RMSPDA)

This year's award focused on the LGU performance in three categories, namely,

Municipal, City and Provincial.  Regional awardees were Iloilo City for city level   

and Tapaz, Capiz for the municipal category.  The two awardees were given a

Plaque of Recognition during the Birth Anniversary Celebration of Rafael M. Salas at 

the Rafael M. Salas Park in Bago City in May.