ILOILO – The Province and City of Iloilo have emerged as national models for population management as they jointly hosted the 2025 National Population Convention, drawing more than 800 participants nationwide to a four-day event from October 7 to 10.
The convention, themed “Local Actions Driving National Population Goals: The Iloilo Experience,” placed Iloilo at the center of discussions on how local initiatives can advance the country’s population and development agenda.
Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Undersecretary Dr. Lisa Grace S. Bersales, in her keynote address, underscored the urgency of empowering local governments to act on pressing population issues.
“Collective action at the local level is essential in transforming our population dynamics into a force for sustainable development,” Bersales said, as she linked population management with achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Gov. Arthur R. Defensor Jr. echoed the message, highlighting that Iloilo’s population programs are deeply tied to its broader development thrusts.
“Population is fundamentally about people,” Defensor declared. “Your work symbolizes our commitment to total human development, caring for our nation’s most vital resource.”
The province showcased several flagship programs hailed as best practices by the CPD, including the Population Data Banking and Management Program, Family and Youth Development Centers, Teen Centers, the wellness-oriented alaLAYI Program, the KaTUWang Program for community engagement, and PRIME (Program for Resilience of Iloilo in Mind and Emotion), which supports mental and emotional well-being.
“We’re not just a host; we’re a vibrant example of how local actions can yield national benefits,” said Provincial Population Officer Atty. Ruel Von D. Superio, expressing pride in presenting Iloilo’s innovative approaches to population and development.
Delegates also engaged in benchmarking activities, interactive plenaries, and cultural tours that immersed them in Iloilo’s heritage while highlighting local governance models that have improved family welfare and community resilience.
By the convention’s close, participants lauded Iloilo for demonstrating how local governments can translate national population goals into tangible, people-centered results — solidifying its status as a benchmark for sustainable population development in the country./PN