July 27, 2014 was one of the significant demographic events in the Philippines when its population reached the 100 millionth mark. Babies born past midnight of July 27 across the country were accounted as the 100 millionth symbolic babies.
Their birth has challenged the government’s capacity to provide Filipinos a better quality of life. With this year’s theme, “Bigyang Halaga ang Bawat Pinoy sa Pag-unlad Ngayon at Bukas,” these symbolic children symbolize the gift of life and a significant human resource that should be nurtured with adequate services as they go through their development.
The theme also provides a human face to the conditions of an additional population within the context of the country’s capacity to take care of its people to achieve their potential and contribute to national development.
As they turn a decade older this year, CPD-Region I partnered with the local government units (LGUs) and the regional Technical Working Group for the 100 millionth Symbolic Filipinos in Region I, for the annual celebration of the five symbolic Filipinos in the region, namely: Ricobien Jacob Francisco, the regional representative; Jhon Paul Pedronio from Pangasinan; Princess Coleen dela Cruz from Ilocos Norte; Xyrus Jeic Alonzo from Ilocos Sur; and Trixie Ann Estalilla from La Union.
Status monitoring was continuously conducted to assess the overall developmental needs of the symbolic children, identify health and development gaps, and provide solutions to such concerns.
Along with the monitoring, these children and their families were given birthday packages including school supplies, vitamins, and other essential items to support their physical, social, and educational needs.
In a message, Ms. Aileen T. Serrano, CPD-Region I Acting Regional Director, assured the children and their families of the government’s continued commitment to supporting the growth and development of these 5 symbolic Filipinos.
She also extended her gratitude to the LGUs and partner agencies who have been providing gifts for these babies since their birth.
Based on the 2020 Census on Population and Housing, the Philippine population has reached 109,033,245 to which the Ilocos Region shares 4.86%, with a total population of 5,301,139.