Commission on Population and Development Region XII

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐃𝐞𝐯 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐛𝐚

The Commission on Population and Development Region XII (CPD XII), led by Regional Director Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian and PPO IV/ARD Designate Maria Fe G. Esmundo, paid a courtesy visit to the Municipality of Kiamba to reinforce collaboration in advancing Population and Development (PopDev) initiatives at the local level.

In partnership with the Provincial Population Office of Sarangani and the Municipal LGU, discussions highlighted key population concerns and strategic interventions, including the 2025 NDHS regional updates, adolescent pregnancy trends, population ageing, and the municipality’s population growth situation.

The meeting also emphasized the importance of creating a dedicated Municipal Population Officer position and office, strengthening Teen Centers for youth-friendly services, and advancing the implementation of the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM) to support data-driven planning and responsive governance.

Mayor Falgui, together with his team, led by Municipal Administrator, Mr. Alfredo Balanag, strongly support the strengthening of PopDev program implementation in Kiamba—reaffirming a shared commitment toward healthier families, empowered youth, and sustainable community development.

𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐚-𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐠𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬. 🤝📊

The Commission on Population and Development Region XII (CPD XII), led by Regional Director Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian, strengthened ties with the LGU of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat through a courtesy visit with Mayor Myrna C. Kapina to advance key Population and Development (PopDev) priorities for the municipality.

Key discussions focused on the implementation of the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM) to support evidence-based planning, addressing adolescent birth concerns, and the proposed creation of a Population Program Officer (PPO) plantilla position to further strengthen local PopDev programs.

Mayor Kapina and the Vice Mayor expressed their support for these initiatives, reaffirming Palimbang LGU’s commitment to responsive, inclusive, and data-driven governance for every Palimbangeño family. Also present during the meeting were MSWDO Maria Zaira Yusuf-Lasuña and MNAO/LPO-Designate Gyll S. Yusuf, who joined the coordination of upcoming activities and initiatives.

CPD XII thanks the LGU of Palimbang for its continued partnership in promoting empowered families, informed communities, and sustainable development.

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐍𝐃𝐇𝐒 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐮𝐦

The 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Regional Dissemination Forum held last May 6, 2026 at DepDev XII, Regional Center, Koronadal City, provided critical insights on the current population and health situation in SOCCSKSARGEN—highlighting key findings on child health and development, maternal care, fertility, family planning, and he 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) Regional Dissemination Forum held last May 6, 2026 at DepDev XII, Regional Center, Koronadal City, provided critical insights on the current population and health situation in SOCCSKSARGEN—highlighting key findings on child health and development, maternal care, fertility, family planning, and pregnancy.

Representing the Commission on Population and Development Region XII, Regional Director Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian served as one of the resource persons and emphasized the urgent need to translate data into responsive policies, investments, and programs that strengthen human capital development across the region.

Among the significant findings presented were:
🔹 Declining Total Fertility Rate to 1.9 children per woman — signaling demographic transition and opportunities for demographic dividend
🔹 Increasing preference for smaller families — underscoring the need for responsive and rights-based family planning services
🔹 Rising adolescent pregnancy concerns — highlighting the urgency of strengthening adolescent health, education, protection, and youth development interventions
🔹 Improved family planning utilization — while emphasizing the need for wider method choice, sustained access and strong supply chain for commodities, and stronger reproductive health literacy

RD Garganian stressed that fertility decline alone does not guarantee development. The region must invest in education, health, youth empowerment, reproductive health access, and evidence-based governance to ensure that no community is left behind.

CPD XII remains committed to strengthening Population and Development (PopDev) integration in local planning and advancing multisectoral collaboration toward a healthier, empowered, and development-ready SOCCSKSARGEN.

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬, 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬: 𝐂𝐏𝐃 𝐗𝐈𝐈 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭-𝐚-𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

As part of its continuing commitment to advancing population and development (PopDev) initiatives in Region XII, the Commission on Population and Development Region XII (CPD XII) reaffirmed its support for strengthened multi-sectoral partnerships that empower communities, strengthen families, and promote responsive, evidence-based local governance.

Represented by Regional Director Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian, CPD XII participated in the ceremonial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement for the “Adopt-a-Barangay” Project during the CY 2026 1st Semester MSAC XII Meeting held on May 5, 2026 at the Wagi Hall, DILG XII Building, Prime Regional Government Center, Koronadal City.

The initiative unites national government agencies, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders in harmonizing programs and services tailored to the unique needs of communities—toward building resilient, inclusive, and model barangays anchored on sustainable and people-centered development. Through collaborative governance and convergence efforts, the project strengthens grassroots mechanisms that contribute to improved quality of life and inclusive regional development.

The Provincial Government of South Cotabato leads this pioneering undertaking as the first LGU to operationalize this CSO-driven convergence approach for grassroots development, setting a significant example of collaborative leadership in advancing community-centered development initiatives.

CPD XII remains steadfast in championing PopDev strategies that translate national development goals into meaningful and lasting impacts at the community level.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐧

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) XII, led by Regional Director Desiree Concepcion U. Garganian, together with Kidapawan City Health Officer Dr. Jocelyn E. Encienzo, recently paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Evangelista to discuss key Population and Development (PopDev) priorities for the city.

During the meeting, Mayor Evangelista expressed strong interest in establishing and sustaining functional Teen Centers in Kidapawan City—safe spaces that will empower adolescents through access to accurate information, health services, life skills education, and meaningful support systems. His support reflects the city government’s commitment to protecting and investing in the youth as partners in development.

The Mayor also recognized the importance of the Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM) as a strategic tool for effective local governance. By utilizing accurate and updated demographic data, the city can further strengthen evidence-based planning, improve delivery of social services, and ensure that programs truly respond to the needs of communities.

CPD XII likewise conveyed its gratitude for Mayor Evangelista’s openness and support for PopDev program implementation in Kidapawan City. This growing partnership marks a significant step toward advancing responsive, inclusive, and sustainable development initiatives that uplift the quality of life of every Kidapaweño family.