Summary

This initial issue of the SPPR takes a first step in addressing demographic constraints by focusing on how unmet need in contraceptive use and reproductive health impairs individual and national well-being, and what corrective actions need to be takento reduce unmet need. An unmet need implies foregone satisfaction and benefits that emanate from realizing desired family size. Eliminating this problem raises household welfare and, in the process, brings society to a higher level of well-being.

BOX 2

The Philippine Population Management Program

The Philippine Population Management Program (PPMP) represents a significant shift from the population control paradigm of the past to one that aims to achieve a balance among population, resources and the environment. It is anchored on the basic population policy as contained in the 1987 Philippine Constitution (Article XV Section 3.1 and Article II Sections 9, 12, and 14-16) which gives couples the responsibility to decide how many children to have in accordance with their religious beliefs and the demands of responsible parenthood for sustainable development. Pursuit of such policy will contribute to sustainable development by way of achieving rational population growth and distribution in the context of available resources and environment situation. This policy is in line with the country's international commitments such as in the ICPD, FWCW, WSSD and UNCED. The goals of the PPMP in the next five years focus on: (1) the ability of couples to achieve their desired family size; (2) improvement of the reproductive health of individuals and reduction of infant, child and maternal mortality; (3) reduction of the incidence of teenage pregnancy, early marriage and other reproductive problems; and (4) policy reforms to help government achieve a favorable balance between population distribution and economic activities. Empowerment of women and men, especially of women, and the improvement of their political, social, economic and health status are vital aspects of sustainable development and must, therefore, be pursued with the full participation and partnership of women and men. PPMP's strategies are the following: 1. Assisting couples/ parents to achieve their desired family size within the context of responsible parenthood for sustainable development. 2. Ensuring that adolescents are provided with appropriate information, knowledge, education and services on population and reproductive health. 3. Integrating population variables into development policies, plans and programs at all levels. 4. Mobilizing resources for the PPMP.

 
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