Bacolod City Council Urging Aggressive Population Control and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Measures

In a move to address rising population concerns and the alarming rates of teenage and unplanned pregnancies, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has passed a resolution urging the City Population Office (POPCOM) and the City Health Office (CHO), through the Office of Mayor Greg Gasataya, to develop and implement aggressive, data-driven population control programs and strategies.

The resolution, authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito, underscores the growing strain on public resources due to continued population growth. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country’s population reached over 112 million as of July 2024—an increase of nearly 3.7 million since 2020. The resolution emphasizes that even modest population growth imposes increasing demands on public health, education, infrastructure, and social welfare systems.

Councilor Distrito pointed out that teenage pregnancies and unplanned parenthood particularly affect low-income families, leading to higher school dropout rates, adverse maternal and child health outcomes, and a continued cycle of poverty.

“We must act now. Curbing teenage and unplanned pregnancies is not just a health issue—it is an economic and social imperative,” Distrito said. “By investing in reproductive health education, and responsible parenthood, we can empower our communities and better safeguard our government’s limited resources.”

The approved resolution calls on relevant city offices to design and roll out comprehensive and sustained programs targeting adolescent health education, community outreach, and reproductive health services. It urges a multi-sectoral approach anchored on data, compassion, and urgency.

The City Council hopes that this initiative will lead to more resilient families, healthier communities, and a more sustainable future for Bacolod City.* (CZD)