Population office, Rotary Club of Butuan North ink MOU to address population growth, workforce dev’t in Caraga
BUTUAN CITY -- In a significant step to tackle vital concerns related to population growth, workforce development, and healthy aging, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Caraga has formed a partnership with the Rotary Club of Butuan by signing two key Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
The MOUs, signed during a regular Rotary Club meeting at VCDU New Prince Hotel, are integral to implementing the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028, focusing on two pivotal strategies: the Promotion of Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP); and Labor Force Empowerment and Active and Healthy Aging.
This initiative marked a turning point for Butuan City as local business leaders and professionals step up to play a key role in shaping the city’s development trajectory, ensuring that both the young and aging population are empowered to thrive.
A business-led approach to population management
What sets this partnership apart is the active involvement of the private sector, particularly Rotary Club of Butuan North, which is composed of business leaders, professionals, and influencers in the region. By signing these two MOUs, the Rotary Club signaled its commitment to supporting government-led initiatives for population management and socio-economic development.
The club’s involvement means more than logistical and financial support—it manifests active participation from influential leaders in the community who can spread awareness and ensure that family planning programs and labor force empowerment initiatives gain traction among businesses, employees, and families. This business-led approach amplifies the reach and impact of the strategies, ensuring that they become a community-wide effort.
Why these MOUs matter to the future of Butuan City
Butuan City’s population continues to grow rapidly, placing increased pressure on resources, public services, and economic systems. The responsible parenthood and family planning (RPFP) strategy aims to address these challenges by providing individuals and couples with the knowledge and resources to make informed family planning decisions. Through the RPFP programs, the MOUs will empower citizens to plan their families responsibly, which will, in turn, alleviate pressure on public services like health care, education, and housing.
Meanwhile, the strategy on Labor Force Empowerment and Active and Healthy Aging is a forward-looking initiative aims at equipping the city’s workforce with the skills, financial literacy, and support needed to thrive in the workplace while ensuring older individuals can lead productive and healthy lives into their senior years. As Butuan City’s economy grows, the demand for a skilled, healthy, and resilient labor force will be more critical than ever. By focusing on both working-age individuals and those nearing retirement, these programs are designed to ensure that Butuan’s labor force remains dynamic and adaptable to future challenges.
Engaging the business community for sustainable impact
This partnership stands out as it signals the growing role of the business community in driving population and development efforts. By promoting RPFP and labor force empowerment in workplaces, informal sectors, and communities, the Rotary Club will mobilize its network of business leaders and professionals to integrate these programs into their existing wellness initiatives.
For example, RPFP in the workplace: Rotary Club members will support CPD-Caraga in conducting family planning sessions for employees, ensuring that businesses are not only invested in the professional growth of their workers but also their personal well-being.
Pre-Retirement and Financial Literacy Programs: The club’s business leaders will offer mentorship to workers nearing retirement, equipping them with the financial knowledge to plan for a secure future.
Active and Healthy Aging: The Rotary Club will work alongside CPD-Caraga to organize wellness programs that promote physical, mental, and social health among older individuals, ensuring that the elderly remain active, engaged members of society.
Long-term vision and impact
By actively involving business leaders in these initiatives, the long-term impact of these MOUs will be transformative. Not only will the partnership help alleviate current pressures from population growth, but it will also ensure that Butuan City’s labor force is resilient, adaptable, and prepared for future economic and social challenges. Additionally, by empowering families to make responsible choices about family planning, the city will be better positioned to sustain its growth while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.
Next steps and implementation
The Rotary Club of Butuan North and CPD-Caraga have committed to forming a dedicated committee to oversee the implementation of the programs outlined in the two MOUs. This committee will work to develop a comprehensive action plan to guide the rollout of RPFP programs, financial literacy workshops, wellness initiatives, and active aging projects.
In the coming months, businesses, community organizations, and local government units can expect to see these initiatives rolled out in their sectors. Updates and progress reports will be shared with all stakeholders to ensure transparency and to track the success of the programs. (May Ann O. Escobal, CPD Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
