Private sector takes center stage in population, dev’t initiatives
BUTUAN CITY -- In an unprecedented effort to strengthen regional population and development initiatives, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Caraga hosted a three-day forum titled, "Strategic Engagement of the Private Sector in Population and Development" in Butuan City. The event brought together influential stakeholders from the private sector, including leaders from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and large corporations, to actively collaborate on integrating the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028 into their business models and community outreach programs.
Organized by CPD Caraga and supported by the Rotary Club of Butuan North, the forum underscored the pivotal role of businesses in driving sustainable regional and local development. Participants explored their potential contribution to population and development (POPDEV) initiatives.
Private sector’s critical role in population management
Throughout the forum, a strong focus was placed on how the private sector could lead the charge in addressing critical population and development challenges. Participants took part in interactive discussions and workshops, which covered a range of topics, including responsible parenthood and family planning, workforce development, and sustainable business practices that contribute to long-term socio-economic growth.
CPD Caraga Director Alexander A. Makinano emphasized the importance of the private sector’s involvement in ensuring the success of the PPD-POA. He remarked, “The private sector is a powerful engine for growth, and their engagement in population management is critical. By aligning their efforts with the goals of the PPD-POA, businesses can help address challenges such as rapid population growth, workforce development, and the promotion of responsible parenthood. Together, we can create a future where economic growth and population well-being are deeply intertwined.”
Key objectives and forum outcomes
The forum aimed to increase private sector awareness of their role in achieving the goals of the PPD-POA 2023-2028; foster collaboration between public and private entities to address population and development challenges; develop strategic action plans that align private sector corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives with population and development goals; and create partnerships that drive labor force empowerment and responsible parenthood programs.
At the end of the three-day forum, participants developed actionable strategies to incorporate population and development initiatives into their businesses. These strategic action plans served as roadmaps for integrating family planning, workforce training, and active aging programs into the fabric of their companies and local communities.
Forging public-private partnerships
One of the standout aspects of the event was the forging of public-private partnerships aimed at solving regional challenges through collaborative action. The event highlighted the importance of working hand-in-hand with private entities to build stronger, more resilient communities. Participants agreed that businesses, beyond their economic contributions, have a social responsibility to address population issues such as access to family planning services and labor empowerment.
A landmark partnership: MOU signing with Rotary Club of Butuan North
It can be recalled that CPD Caraga and the Rotary Club of Butuan North took the key moment on October 24, 2024 for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which marked a historic partnership aimed at advancing Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) and Labor Force Empowerment and Active Aging. Under the MOU, the Rotary Club of Butuan North will commit its members and resources to support CPD Caraga’s POPDEV initiatives, with a focus on creating impactful programs that benefit the local workforce and families.
Engr. Maximo Y. Sato, president of the Rotary Club of Butuan North, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “This MOU represents our dedication to improving the quality of life in the Caraga Region. We are excited to partner with CPD-Caraga to bring meaningful programs to the community, promoting responsible parenthood and empowering our labor force. Through this collaboration, we aim to make lasting contributions to the well-being of families and the sustainable growth of our region.”
The MOU with the Rotary Club of Butuan North also set the stage for immediate collaboration on specific projects, particularly those focused on providing family planning resources in workplaces and improving pre-retirement programs for the workforce.
A vision for sustainable growth
As the forum concluded, the message was clear: the private sector’s involvement in population and development initiatives is not just beneficial but essential for sustainable growth. By working together with government agencies and civil society, businesses can help shape a future where population well-being and economic prosperity go hand in hand. (May Ann O. Escobal, CPD-Caraga/PIA-Caraga)
