FINAL POPCOM Devolution Transition Plan Write Up

Republic of the Philippines
National Economic and Development Authority
COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT
DEVOLUTION TRANSITION PLAN
2022-2024
Contents
Section I. Introduction 1
Section II. Strategic Direction 4
A. POPCOM’s Mandates 4
B. The POPDEV Strategic Direction 7
C. Emerging Challenges 11
Section III. Assignment of POPDEV Functions and Services 13
A. Delineation of Functions and Services 13
1. National Level 13
2. Devolved POPDEV Functions and Services 24
B. Implementation Strategy and Phasing of Devolution 34
Section IV. Program and Service Delivery Standards 37
Section V. POPCOM and LGU Capacity Development Strategy 43
Section VI. Performance Monitoring and Assessment Framework 47
Section VII. POPCOM Organizational Effectiveness Proposal 48

List of Abbreviations
AHD Adolescent Health and Development
AIP Annual Investment Program
BHW Barangay Health Worker
BNS Barangay Nutrition Scholar
BPBP Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa
BPW/V Barangay Population Worker/Volunteer
CALABARZON Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon
CBFOD Capability Building and Field Operations Division
CBMS Community-Based Monitoring System
CBS Capacity Building Section
CDP Comprehensive Development Plan
CHO City Health Office
CPDO City Population and Development Office
CSO Civil Society Organization
CWC Council on the Welfare of Children
DBM Department of Budget and Management
DILG Department of Interior and Local Government
DOH Department of Health
DSWD Department of Social Welfare and Development
DTP Devolution Transition Plan
EO Executive Order
FOS Field Operations Section
FP Family Planning
FPCBT Family Planning Competency-Based Training
FDA Food and Drugs Administration
GA Government Agency
GAA General Appropriations Act
GAD Gender and Development
GIDA Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Area
IEC Information, Education, and Communication
ISDN Information and Service Delivery Network
ITSS Information Technology Services Section
JMC Joint Memorandum Circular
KPA Kaunlarang Pantao Award
LCE Local Chief Executive
LGC Local Government Code
LGU Local Government Unit
LPDO Local Population Development Office
LYDC Local Youth Development Council
LYDP Local Youth Development Plan
MHCS Mobile Health Care Service
MIMAROPA Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon,
Palawan
MPDO Municipal Population and Development Office
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
NBC National Budget Circular
NDHS National Demographic and Health Survey
NEDA National Economic and Development Authority
NHTS National Household Targeting System
NPFP National Program on Family Planning
NPPFP National Program on Population and Family Planning
NYC National Youth Commission
PD Presidential Decree
PDMP Policy and Data Management Division
PDP Philippine Development Plan
PMO Pre-Marriage Orientation
PMOC Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling
POPCOM Commission on Population and Development
POPDEV Population and Development
PPDO Provincial Population and Development Office
PPDP Philippine Population and Development Program
PPD-PoA Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action
PPMP Philippine Population Management Program
PSA Philippine Statistics Authority
PWD Persons with Disability
RA Republic Act
RBIM Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants
RDC Regional Development Committee
RDMMU Research, Data Management and Monitoring Unit
RDMS Research and Data Management Sections
RH Reproductive Health
RPD-PoA Regional Population and Development Plan of Action
RPFP Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning
RPRH Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health
SBCC Social and Behavior Change Communication
SCM Supply Chain Management
SCMO Supply Chain Management Officer
SDG Sustainable Development Goals
SDN Service Delivery Network
SDP Service Delivery Partner
SFOS Support to Field Operations Section
SHAPE-A Sexually Health and Personally Empowered Adolescents
SK Sangguniang Kabataan
TWG Technical Working Group
UDHA Urban Development and Housing Act
WRA Women of Reproductive Age
YAFSS Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey
3PL Third-Party Logistics
Section I
INTRODUCTION
Population and Development
Population is inherently a critical factor of development in any country and locality and in any period
of time. Population is the main focus of development and, in turn, development conditions impact on
the wellbeing of the people. Hence, the capacity of any government at any level to ensure that its
demographic conditions are well-managed critically determines its success in bringing about
development of its people in their jurisdiction.
Within this context, the Philippine Population and Development Program (PPDP) remains a key and
important strategy in facilitating sustainable and inclusive development at all levels. The POPDEV
program has become more important because of the country’s still growing population and changing
age structure and significantly unequal geographic distribution and its impact on socioeconomic
development. The Philippine population has grown more than three-fold since the 1970’s. Based on
the latest population census (2020), there were already about 109 million Filipinos and still growing
at a rate of 1.6 percent annually. While the rate of growth is slowing down, the size of the population
keeps on increasing because of its already large base.
Figure 1. Population size and annual growth rate, Philippines (various censuses)
150 4
2.9 3.0 101 109
92.3 3
100 2.7 2.3 76.5
60.7 1.9 2
48.1 1.7 1.6
50 27.1 36.7 2.3
19.2 1
0 0
1948 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2015 2020
Population size (in million) Average annual growth rate (in percent)
Source: Various Population Censuses, PSA
Across regions, more than one-third (39%) were living in the mega-regions of CALABARZON, Metro
Manila and Central Luzon. This is indicative of unequal spatial distribution of the population that is
now resulting to and at the same time being caused by unequal income distribution. This
demographic situation has been primarily driven by unmanaged influx of migrants to these regions.
Such unmanaged internal migration of Filipinos in highly urbanized areas has caused rapid
urbanization and its concomitant social and environmental issues. The impact of population
congestion and crowding in highly urbanized areas has become more prominent during this
pandemic where spread of the disease has been more prevalent.
The country’s population remains relatively young with more than a third of its population belonging
to 14 years of age and below. This reflects the still high fertility level among Filipino women with a
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total fertility rate of about 2.7 children (2017 NDHS). While the fertility level significantly declined
from 6 children in the 1970’s to its current level, the decline was slower in the two decades of 1993-
2013. Moreover, the increasing pregnancies and childbirth among adolescents and young girls in the
last decade (2011-2020) are significantly contributing to the still high fertility among Filipino
women.
An emerging potential for economic growth is reflected by the increasing population of the working
age (15-64 years old). Through the years, the proportion of working age population has grown to
about two-thirds of the country’s population. This opens the opportunity for the country to gain
demographic dividend resulting from the increased economic productivity of this human resource
through optimal use of the human capital in employment and other productive activities. This
assumes, however, a high degree of skills and healthy status among its human resource and an
enabling economic environment.
These current and potential demographic situations and issues, among others, remains vital factors
in the overall, sectoral and local development in the country. Failure to address these population
issues would likely result to lesser sustainable and equitable socioeconomic development, lesser
efficiency in the allocation of limited resources at the national, regional and local levels, and lower
equity impact of programs and projects both in urban and rural areas.
Within these current demographic and development contexts, the Philippine Population and
Development Program (PPDP) is made more important and critical. The PPDP serves as the main
program and strategy of the government to address population issues to facilitate accelerated and
optimal socioeconomic development in the country (i.e., Philippine Development Plan for 2017-
2022). The PPDP is coordinated by the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM)
within its mandate under the Revised Population Policy (Presidential Decree No. 79 as amended).
Under the PPDP, the entire government, particularly local governments, create and enable programs,
projects and activities in the National Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP) which is
a mechanism to converge annual budgets of different agencies in all levels of government annually,
with POPCOM as the lead convenor.
Furthermore, Executive Order No. 171, series of 2018 renamed the agency to Commission on
Population and Development to strengthen the population and development strategies in pursuit of
socioeconomic development reforms and programs.
POPDEV and Devolution
The critical role and importance of the PPDP is likewise underscored within the context of
strengthening the devolution policy resulting from the increased share of the local government from
the national tax revenue in light of the Supreme Court ruling on the Mandanas-Garcia petition. This
policy effectively tips the balance of implementing local development in favor of local governments.
The Commission on Population and Development identified in 20191 and 20202 its functions,
programs, projects and activities that would be the focus of agreements with local governments that
would gain momentum in 2021.
1 POPCOM Localization Guidelines

2 Revised POPCOM Localization Guidelines
The role of the LGUs in population management has been long underscored even before the
enactment of the Local Government Code (LGC) because of their more direct responsibility over their
constituents. The LGC highlighted such mandate by allotting a significant portion on population
(50%) as one of the key criteria for determining their share on the national tax allotment (formerly
called as the internal revenue allotment). Moreover, the LGC, recognizing the importance of
population development interventions at the local level, provided for the appointment of a Local
Population Development Officer and an office at three levels of local government (province, city,
municipality) with the main responsibility to ensure integration of population development
principles in the delivery of basic services.
Sec. 17 of the Local Government Code was covered by the earlier devolution process in 1992-1993.
The functions relevant to the then-Philippine Population Management Program at the time were
subsumed by the Department of Health (primary health care) and Department of Social Welfare and
Development (family planning services and population development services). POPCOM was then
attached to the DSWD. This has resulted in a dearth of understanding among local governments
concerned on the population program.
Correctly in National Budget Circular No. 138, the Department of Budget and Management has
identified the Section 17 functions of family planning services and population development services
within the technical umbrella of POPCOM in the basic health and social services areas of local
governance.
The lack of appreciation of population programs has led a number of local governments to reassign
population offices and functions to different offices, despite the fact that Section 488 of the LGC allows
for the creation of Population Development Offices in provinces, cities and municipalities. The
number of Laws, Executive Orders, Presidential and Cabinet Directives, Joint Memorandum Circulars
and National Government Agency directives in the last decade is evidence that population policy is a
matter of national and local concern. The latest Executive Order on this matter which originated in
the POPCOM Board of Commissioners, EO 141, requires a whole of nation approach to attain its
objectives.
Within this context and in compliance to Executive Order No. 138 prescribing the guidelines for the
“full devolution,” this Devolution Transition Plan of POPCOM (DTP_POPCOM) provides for the
strategic direction and thrusts of the PPDP within the context of devolution; the partnership
framework between POPCOM national and regional offices and local government units (LGUs); the
basic standards for the implementation of POPDEV strategies and services including prescribed
organizational structure and staffing complement in the LGUs; the capacity development strategy for
national, regional and local population offices and workers; the performance monitoring and
assessment framework; and POPCOM’s organizational effectiveness proposal which shall highlight
the strengthening of the staff complement in POPCOM Central Office and its Regional Offices to
effectively support the effective implementation of the PPDP at the national and local levels.
The POPCOM DTP was formulated through a consultative process involving the creation of technical
working groups consisted by national and regional staff to gather, prepare and process key
information needed in the DTP particularly in its Annexes; consultation with local population officers
and workers, local chief executives and other stakeholders at the local level; consultation with
partner agencies particularly at the regional level; and consultation with experts and advisers with
experience and institutional knowledge about POPCOM and its programs and strategies.
Section II
STRATEGIC DIRECTION
A. POPCOM’s Mandates
National population policy
The Revised Population Act of the Philippines (Presidential Decree No. 79, 1972) strengthened
and mandated the Commission on Population (POPCOM) to carry out the purposes and objectives of
the said law, specifically:
1. To formulate and adopt coherent, integrated and comprehensive long-term plans, programs
and recommendations on population as it relates to economic and social development
consistent with and implementing the population policy which shall be submitted to and
approved by the President;
2. To make comprehensive studies of demographic data and expected demographic trends and
propose policies that affect specific and quantitative population goals;
3. To organize and implement programs that will promote a broad understanding of the adverse
effects on family life and national welfare of unlimited population growth;
4. To propose policies and programs that will guide and regulate labor force participation,
internal migration and spatial distribution of population consistent with national
development;
5. To make family planning a part of a broad educational program;
6. To encourage all persons to adopt safe and effective means of planning and realizing desired
family size so as to discourage and prevent resort to unacceptable practice of birth control
such as abortion by making available all acceptable methods of contraception to all persons
desirous of spacing, limiting or preventing pregnancies;
7. To establish and maintain contact with international public and private organizations
concerned with population problems;
8. To provide family planning services as a part of over-all health care; and
9. To make available all acceptable methods of contraception, except abortion, to all Filipino
citizens desirous of spacing, limiting or preventing pregnancies.
To implement these objectives, the national population policy also mandated POPCOM to perform
the following functions:
1. To employ or authorize the employment by participating agencies in the national family

planning, health and welfare program of physicians, nurses, and midwives and other persons
to provide, dispense and administer all acceptable methods of contraception to all citizens of
the Philippines desirous of spacing, limiting, or preventing pregnancies: Provided, That the
above-mentioned persons except physicians, for the purpose of contraception, have been
trained and duly certified by the POPCOM." (PD 1204, series of 1977);
2. To undertake such action projects as may be necessary to promote the attainment of PD 79

and to enter, in behalf of the Republic of the Philippines, into such contracts, agreements or
arrangements with government or private agencies as will be necessary, contributory or
desirable in the implementation thereof;
3. To undertake, promote and publish information, studies and investigations on Philippine
population in all its aspects;
a) To utilize clinics, pharmacies as well as other commercial channels of distribution for the
distribution of family planning information and contraceptives; and
b) To call upon and utilize any department, bureau, office, agency or instrumentality of the
Government for such assistance as it may require in the performance of its functions.
Within these mandates, the POPCOM has developed and coordinated the Philippine Population
Management Program (PPMP) (now the Philippine Population and Development Program, PPDP)
which served as the overall blueprint in addressing population issues to faciliate socioeoconomic
development. The PPMP has three major sub-programs, namely, Responsible Parenthood and Family
Planning (RPFP), Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) and Population and Development
(POPDEV) Integration. In 2019 POPCOM presented the National Program on Population and
Development to the Cabinet and this was approved as a convergence program for budgeting
purposes.
Instructions on Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood among Would-be-Couples
Presidential Decree No. 965 series of 1976 prescribed for the provision of instruction on family
planning and responsible parenthood to applicant for marriage license or would-be-couples as part
of the national family planning program. This decree mandated POPCOM to formulate the guidelines
for its implementation. Currently, this program is being implemented in partnership with the
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine
Statistics Authority (PSA) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) pursuant to
the relevant provision of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act (RA 10354) and
the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) issued by these agencies to guide the implementation of the
Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling (PMOC) Program.
Under the JMC, POPCOM national and regional offices shall conduct and issue certification for the
training of local counselors or facilitators on pre-marriage orientation. It shall also conduct
continuing education and training to sustain the enhancement of the quality of the conduct of the
pre-marriage orientations.
Managing internal migration
Section 37 of the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992 likewise mandates POPCOM to
provide technical assistance to local government units in setting-up effective mechanisms to monitor
trends in the movement of the population from rural to urban, urban to urban and urban to rural
areas and in identifying measures by which such movements can be to achieve balance between
urban capabilities and population, also in directing appropriate segments of population into areas
where they can have access to opportunities to improve their lives and to contribute to national
development.
The same law also mandates POPCOM together with NEDA and PSA to provide advance planning
information to national and local government planners on population projections and the consequent
level of services needed in particular urban and urbanizable areas. Assistance from POPCOM and
other relevant government agencies includes early warning-systems on expected dysfunctions in a
particular urban area due to population increases, decreases, or age structure changes.
More recent national policies
1. Executive Order No. 12, s. 2017 (Sustaining and Attaining Zero Unmet Need for Modern
Family Planning through the Strict Implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and
Reproductive Health Act) – Mandates POPCOM to adopt the attainment of the zero unmet need
for modern family planning as a population management strategy, particularly in assisting
couples and women to achieve their desired family size and to reduce the incidence of teenage
pregnancy.
2. Executive Order No. 71, s. 2018 (Renaming the Commission on Population as Commission on
Population and Development and Reverting its Attachment to NEDA from DOH) – Mandates
POPCOM to enhance coordination with NEDA to strengthen the development and
implementation of population-related programs and strategies in pursuit of socioeconomic
development. The Order reiterates POPCOM’s lead role in implementing a national program
on family planning.
3. Executive Order No. 141. S. 2021 (Adapting as a National Priority the Implementation of
Measures to Address the Root Causes of the Rising Number of Teenage Pregnancies and
Mobilizing Government Agencies) – Mandates POPCOM to continue to educate leaders, parents
and other members of the community about evidence-based strategies in the reduction of
adolescent pregnancies. It also mandated POPCOM to develop a consolidated action plan for
the prevention of adolescent pregnancies.
4. Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2017-2022 that adopted the full implementation of
Republic Act (R.A.) No. 10354 on Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of
2012 (RPRH Law) and the attainment of regional demographic dividend as a key development
objective to further improve the socioeconomic growth potential of the country; POPCOM
through the intensified implementation of the National Program on Population and Family
Planning (NPPFP) was mandated by the Cabinet in 2019 to intensify the NPPFP to continue to
strengthen its collaborative efforts with relevant government agencies (GAs) and local
government units (LGUs) to ensure that family planning (FP) commodities and other related
FP services are accessible and available to Filipino men and women who have expressed need
and intention to use modern FP.
5. Executive Order No. 114. S. 2020 (Institutionalizing Balik Probinsya, Bagong Pag-asa
Program as a Pillar of Balanced Regional Development) – The BPBP Council has resolved to
make POPCOM as a member of the technical working group that will develop and coordinate
strategies contributing to the medium to long-term initiatives towards more balanced
regional development.
6. Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2019-01 – NEDA, DOH and POPCOM (Establishing Co-
Management Scheme for the National Program on Family Planning) – The JMC has provided a
collaborative framework between POPCOM and the DOH in the planning, coordination and
implementation of the national program on family planning. It specifically established a co-
management scheme between these two agencies in developing policies and strategies at the
national and regional levels on the key aspects of the program including demand generation,
service delivery and logistics management. The circular also identifies local government roles
in the national program on family planning.
In support of the FP program and within its mandate under PD 79, POPCOM shall primarily
take the lead in demand generation strategies and assist in activities of FP supply chain
management which include warehousing, distribution and procurement of FP supplies and
commodities.
7. Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 – POPCOM, DOH, DSWD, PSA and DILG
(Guidelines in the Implementation of the Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling Program) –
This JMC provides for the guidelines for the implementation of the PMOC program at the
national, regional and local levels. It specifically provides for the role of POPCOM on the
provision of training on pre-marriage orientation among the members of the local PMOC
Team, development of modules and provision of continuing education and training.
8. Presidential Directives No. 2021-014. These Presidential Directives tasked POPCOM,

together with NEDA and DOH to jointly review and strengthen the national family planning
program within the context of the pandemic.
B. The Population and Development Strategic Direction

After more than three decades of devolution, various administrations recognized the essential role
of family planning and population and development in achieving the development aspirations of the
country. Executive orders, inter-agency agreements and subsequent policies agree that full
implementation of the RPRH law, including its population impacts, must be allowed to move ahead
as a national as well as local strategy for development.
Within these context, the POPCOM shall continue the role as the primary coordinator for the
country’s population policy which is operationalized through the Philippine Population and
Development Program (PPDP), formerly called us the Philippine Population Management Program
(PPMP). The newly renamed PPDP aims to adapt and be more inclusive and responsive to the
emerging global, national, regional and local population dynamics and issues as they relate to
socioeconomic dimensions.
Basically, the PPDP shall be implemented in the midterm and annually through the National
Program on Population and Family Planning (NPPFP) as a shared responsibility and common
agenda of the national and local governments. In general, the PPDP is basically concerned with
the macro effect of population on development concerns, particularly at the national and reigonal
levels. However, local government unit, as a key strategy for local development, are also expected to
manage their population dynamics to facilitate socioeconomic growth within their territorial
jurisdiction. Local population dynamics are likewise integral component of the overall national
demographlic situation. Thus, an interdependent approach to attaining population outcomes that
are facilitative and supportive of national and local socioeconomic development shall be adapted as
the main implementation framework in advancing the PPDP. This further means that the attainment
of macro population and development goals require the aggregate contribution of the local
government units in managing their respective population dynamics and issues, particularly in light
of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling which will mean heightened local resources which should focus on
local populations and their development. National and regional strategies on population and
development consistent with local strategies need to be harmonized in plans such as the PPDP, which
are critical to effectively orchestrate interventions at all levels towards common direction.
Therefore, the implementation of the Mandanas-Garcia ruling gives national and local governments
another chance at putting together a policy and implementation framework that recognizes:
• population and family planning as essential elements of the Ambisyon 2040 and the national
sustainable development agenda, in particular due to its poverty-reducing impact through
demographic dividends, and population and development priorities as age structures change
our landscape from a young to a slowly aging society;
• local government policies and services need to be aligned with national priorities and this can
be achieved by adequate support for population and family planning programs that they
implement;
• local (basic) population programs create the demand for the family planning services that
local health services provide; and
• local population and development programs build on the success of demand generation and
services delivery of family planning methods to craft population and development policies
aligned with national government programs to achieve local, regional and national
demographic dividends.
PPDP Goals and Objectives. The PPDP aims to advance sustainable and inclusive national and sub-
national development and to increase the share of each Filipino in the fruits of socioeconomic
progress through well-planned, healthy, empowered and resilient individuals, families, households
and communities. Specifically, it aims to:
1. Enable couples, individuals and families to achieve their desired timing, spacing and number
of children within the demands of responsible parenthood and their health and development
aspirations;
2. Enable adolescents and young mothers to prevent early and repeat pregnancies and to be
protected from its negative consequences; and
3. Enable national and regional government agencies and local government units to effectively
address population issues towards optimal demographic dividend, more equitable spatial
distribution and regional development, well-managed and interdependent urban and rural
development, and inclusive development of marginalized segment of population.
Key PPDP Programs. The PPDP strategies shall be implemented along the following key programs:
1. Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning (RPFP) Program. The RPFP Program aims
to enable couples, individuals and families to achieve their fertility goals and intentions
within the context of responsible parenthood and other and developmental goals.
2. Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program. This program aims to enable
adolescents to prevent early pregnancies and repeated childbirths among young mothers. It
also aims to protect adolescent mothers from various risks and vulnerabilities as a
consequence of early pregnancies to enable them to achieve their aspirations and potentials
despite their current situation.
3. Population and Development (POPDEV) Integrated Strategies. This aims to build the
capacities of government institutions at the national and local levels to effectively address
emerging population office within their level to promote:
a. Optimal demographic dividend – this involves the capacities of regional and highly
urbanized areas to accelerate demographic transition and to take employ their large
proportion of working age population to increase their contribution to the overall
productivity and economic development of the locality. With the employment of
working age population, savings can be generated during their old age which would
result to lesser dependence to government resources and services resulting to second
phase of demographic dividend.
b. Equitable spatial distribution and regional development – this involves strategies that
capacitate national and local institutions to manage congestion of migrants to highly
urbanized areas through interventions that accelerate socioeconomic development in
lagging regions.
c. Well-managed and interdependent urban and rural development – this includes

strategies that can capacitate cities and municipalities to manage integrated urban and
rural development. This involves the management of urban agglomerations through
more participatory and resource conscious planning and management, review and
revision of policies and mechanisms that contribute to the excessive concentration of
population in large cities, and improve the security and quality of life of both rural and
urban low-income residents.
d. Inclusive development of marginalized segment of population – this aims to put into

the development mainstream the development concerns and needs of people belonging
to marginalized sector to ensure inclusive and sustainable development. Priority sectors
would include the children, older persons, indigenous people and persons with
disabilities, among others.
POPCOM DTP Goals, Objectives and Expected Outcomes. As previously highlighted, the
strengthening of the devolution policy through the increased shared of LGUs in the national tax
allotment provides an opportunity for national/regional government and LGUs to also strengthen its
partnership and collaboration in the attainment of the POPDEV program goals and objectives. Thus,
this POPCOM DTP aims to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness of the entire government in
the attainment of the PPDP goals and objectives as defined above. Specifically, through this DTP, the
following results will be achieved:
1. Clearly defined collaborative framework and arrangements between national/regional

POPCOM offices and LGUs in the attainment of the PPDP goals and objectives;
2. Institutionalized and sustainably funded POPDEV strategies and activities within the local
plans, strategies and operations through greater ownership of the program by the local
executive and stakeholders and well-defined and coordinated functions and strategies;
3. Strengthened national/regional and local structures for the management, coordination and
implementation of the PPDP; and
4. Strengthened interagency collaboration among national government agencies in providing
guidance, technical assistance and support to the LGUs in the localization of the PPDP
program.
Key PPDP Implementing Strategies. By its nature, the PPDP entails multidimensional,
multisectoral and multilevel initiatives and implementing arrangements. As such, its implementation
shall entail the participation of various government agencies both at the national and sub-national
levels. It requires vertical and horizontal integration and collaboration to ensure the attainment of
its goal and objectives. As such, it will be implemented through the NPPFP which will engender
partnership and collaborative mechanisms particularly between national and local government units
and between and among sectoral development agencies.
For this purpose, the POPCOM shall set and coordinate the attainment of the PPDP goals, objectives,
and targets at the national and regional levels as part of its direction-setting and steering function.
The national and regional PPDP goals and objectives and overall strategies shall be spelled out in the
medium-term Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-PoA) for 2022-
2028. The PPD-PoA shall provide the overall direction and key strategies of the PPDP that will guide
interagency and multilevel implementation and collaboration. It will also serve as an input to
formulation of the Philippine Development Plan for 2022-2028 and other sectoral development plans
at the national and regional levels. Lastly, the PPDP-PoA, which shall also be translated into Regional
Population and Development Plan of Actions (RPD-PoA), shall guide the development and
implementation of local population and development plans, programs and strategies.
Generally, POPCOM Central Office and Regional Offices shall perform its steering function for the
implementation of the PPDP at all levels through the NPPFP. Within the context of partnership, it
will coordinate the implementation of the program and support other concerned national agency
partners and LGUs in the implementation of PPDP-related interventions within their jurisdictions
and sectoral concerns and mandates through the following functions:
1. Policy and plan development. To provide direction or roadmap at the macro level for the
population and development program as reference for contributions and roles of other
agencies and the LGUs, relevant policies and plans shall be formulated and disseminated to
concerned agencies.
2. Capacity building and provision of technical assistance. POPCOM will continuously

provide guidelines, manuals and other ready-to-use tools that can be used by partner
agencies and LGUs in the implementation of relevant POPDEV initiatives at their respective
levels. This will include actual conduct of training and capacity building activities,
operationalization of online e-learning platforms, and establishment of online portals as
primary source of various POPDEV-related tools and documents.
3. Research and data management. POPCOM shall continue to undertake researches that can
be used to design POPDEV-related strategies at all levels. It will also develop relevant data
and information systems that can be operationalized at the regional and local levels to aid in
evidence-based decisionmaking processes.
4. National and regional communication and promotional activities. Promotions and

communication strategies at the local level shall be supported and complemented with
communication campaigns at the national and/or regional levels.
10 | P O P C O M D e v o l u t i o n T r a n s i t i o n P l a n
5. Program monitoring and evaluation. As the overall POPDEV program coordinator, it will
take the lead in the monitoring of the implementation of PPD-PoA strategies at all levels
through inputs from implementing partners and the LGUs.
6. Limited financial assistance. Financial assistance shall be provided mainly to LGUs needing
augmentation specifically those belonging to 5th and 6th class municipalities and barangays in
geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. It will also financially support CSOs
primarily to assist LGUs in implementing PPDP and to establish models or prototype
interventions that can be scaled-up at the local level.
7. Augmentation to service delivery. POPCOM shall also provide augmentation support to

fill-in the gaps in the service delivery particularly for family planning services at the local
level.
C. Emerging Challenges
Given the multisectoral nature of the PPDP, the main challenge in its implementation and promotion
points to the effectiveness and efficiency of mobilizing different partners the national, regional and
local levels. To address this concern, the following strategies shall be implemented:
1. At the national level, the coordinative and collaborative mechanism among the agency
members of the POPCOM Board of Commissioners shall be strengthened. The POPCOM
Secretariat shall endeavor to integrate key programs of the agency members in the NPPFP
including the POPDEV program agenda and strategies for its inclusion in their existing
programs and interventions especially those being provided to the LGUs. Various
coordinative bodies in which POPCOM is a member will also be engaged and requested to
include population agenda in their discussions and coordinative actions to generate concrete
institutional arrangements for implementation of POPDEV-related interventions.
2. At the regional level, coordinative bodies such as the Regional Development Committee and
other relevant interagency structures shall be mobilized and engaged in the discussion and
implementation of POPDEV-related strategies within the regional context.
3. At the local level, coordinative actions shall be primarily undertaken through the local
population and development office which should be present in all provinces, cities and
municipalities by 2024. Sec. 488 of the LGC places the functions, including population and
development under one office, the Population and Development Office in each LGU, however,
the LGC made it an optional office, despite the functions being essential functions of LGUs. As
such, harmonized coordination and implementation of the program will become a challenge.
To address these concern, POPCOM shall push for the creation and strengthening of local
population and development office in the provinces, cities and municipalities, at least for the
appointment of a local population officer. To ensure integration, POPCOM regional offices
will likewise coordinate with the local population office and/or other relevant local offices to
ensure that PPDP key strategies and programs are integrated in local development strategies.
4. POPCOM will also pursue strong working engagement with CSOs and development partners
at all levels. It will pursue convergent efforts especially in areas where these development
partners are already working to integrate PPDP agenda and strategies.
Inadequacy of financing for population and development strategies and interventions is likewise a
perennial issues at the national as well as local levels. For this, there is a need to effectively pursue
counterparting scheme with POPCOM and other national/regional partner agencies and with the
LGUs to generate and mobilize resources needed for the implementation of PPDP strategies.
Section III
ASSIGNMENT OF POPDEV FUNCTIONS AND SERVICES
A. Delineation of Functions and Services

As previously mentioned, the implementation of the PPDP programs and strategies shall be
implemented basically through the framework of partnership and collaboration between and among
POPCOM Central Office and Regional Offices and national and regional partners agencies and LGUs.
The main programs and services to be delineated between POPCOM national/ regional offices and
LGUs shall be along the three program components of the PPDP, namely, RPFP, AHD and POPDEV
services and programs. These program components were divided into its different key strategic and
functional components such as development and utilization of data and information, policy and plan
development, communication and advocacy, research and knowledge management, service delivery,
capacity building and provision of technical assistance, and service delivery (see ANNEX A).
The institutional arrangements below delineate the functions, program components and services
related to POPDEV program and strategies at the national and local level of governance.
1. National Level
Overall, the POPCOM Central Office and Regional Offices shall take the direction-setting, steering,
and program coordinative functions at the national and regional levels, respectively. Their tasks
will be to shepherd and lead the program within their jurisdiction to the attainment of its goals
and objectives. For this purpose, it shall mobilize and partner with relevant government
agencies at the national and regional levels and the LGUs to enable them to contribute to the
program based on their agency and LGU-specific programs, mandates and jurisdictions.
1.1. POPDEV Services and Program
The POPDEV services and program, as key POPDEV program component, involves
strategies that seek to address population issues to facilitate socioeconomic
development. These population issues include, but are not limited to, rapid
population growth, unmanaged influx of migrants, and high fertility among poor
families and population as they impact on various development concerns. Relevant
functions and strategies include the establishment of POPDEV database and
information system; formulation of POPDEV policies; formulation, coordination and
implementation of POPDEV plans and programs; promotion of POPDEV issues and
strategies; monitoring and evaluation; and capacity building and provision of
technical assistance. Based on these functions, the following shall be retained or to
will be implemented at the national level through the POPCOM Central Office and
Regional Offices.
1.1.1. Establishment of national and regional POPDEV database and

information systems. Data and information are critical bases for evidence-
based planning, policy development and other decision-making processes. As
such, the specific function and strategy of developing, processing, analyzing
and utilizing national and regional POPDEV database and information system
is necessary for POPCOM-Central Office and Regional Offices to analyze
current demographic and development levels, trends and patterns as bases
for setting program direction and relevant strategies.
Design, conduct, analysis and dissemination of POPDEV-related

researches and studies. To also support evidence-based planning at the
national and regional levels, the design and conduct of research shall also be
initiated at such levels. This is also a specific mandate of POPCOM under Sec.
4 of PD 79 specifically providing as one of the objectives of the population
policy to conduct comprehensive studies of demographic data and expected
demographic trends and propose policies that affect specific and quantitative
population goals.
The conduct of POPDEV researches can, however, be independently

conducted by provinces and highly urbanized areas within its role as overall
coordinator for the POPDEV program at the provincial level, covering the
cities and municipalities in its jurisdiction.
Provision of capacity building and technical assistance to national and

local government agencies in setting-up, processing, analysis and
utilization of demographic and socioeconomic database for POPDEV
planning and policy development. To effectively manage the POPDEV
program within their jurisdictions, POPCOM Central Office and Regional
Offices shall provide needed technical assistance or training to partner
agencies and LGUs in setting-up, generating and analyzing demographic and
socioeconomic data to aid planning, program development and other program
activities needing data. In relation to this, POPCOM shall also continuously
provide population data, projections and analysis to various national, regional
and local government agencies for policy, plan and program development.
Specifically, under Sec. 37 of the Urban Development and Housing Act (RA
7279), POPCOM is mandated to assist LGUs in setting-up an effective
mechanism to monitor trends in the movements of population (e.g., Registry
of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants) and in identifying measures by which
such movements can be influenced and to recommend proposed legislation to
Congress, if necessary. The POPCOM shall likewise provide advanced
planning information to national and local government planners on
population projections and the consequent level of services needed in
particular urban and urbanizing areas. This service will include early-warning
systems on expected dysfunctions in a particular urban area due to population
increases, decreases, or age structure changes.
Furthermore, POPCOM, as member of the TWG of the Balik Probinsya, Balik

Pag-asa Council (EO 114), is one of the agencies tasked to formulate long-term
plans/strategies to support the implementation of EO 114.
1.1.2. Formulation of national and regional POPDEV-related policies. The

development, advocacy, coordination and monitoring of national and regional
population policies as they relate to development issues are inherent
functions of the POPCOM as mandated by the existing national population
policy. These national and regional policies shall guide local POPDEV-related
policies which they are likewise mandated to implement, albeit, limited within
their jurisdiction. Increasingly, as we enter a phase where local governments
become the drivers of local development, POPCOM through POPDEV should
link the country’s SDG indicators to local development indicators.
To build the capacity of the LGUs to develop and implement POPDEV-related

policies based on their existing population issues, POPCOM shall likewise
provide necessary training and technical assistance and relevant tools. The
Provincial Government (through the provincial population office) may
likewise provide necessary capacity building to component cities and
municipalities in the development of POPDEV-related policies, being the
overall coordinator of the POPDEV program that covers component cities and
municipalities.
1.1.3. Formulation, coordination and implementation of national and regional

POPDEV plans and programs. Inherent to its mandate, POPCOM has the
function to formulate and adopt coherent, integrated and comprehensive
long-term plans, programs and recommendations on population as it relates
to economic and social development consistent with and implementing the
population policy which shall be submitted to and approved by the President;
and to propose policies and programs that will guide and regulate labor force
participation, internal migration and spatial distribution of population
consistent with national development.
The Philippine Development Plan for 2017-2022 also tasked POPCOM to lead
the coordination and monitoring of the implementation of the country’s
initiatives in attaining demographic dividend as one of the development
agenda and strategies to accelerate socioeconomic development. As the
country enters the last none years of attaining Sustainable Development
Goals, POPDEV strategies need to link LGU programs to attaining local SDG-
related goals.
In carrying out this mandate and function, POPCOM shall mobilize and consult
with partner agencies at the national and sub-national levels to ensure the
alignment of the plans and programs with the emerging population issues at
all levels. To ensure that alignment of local POPDEV plans and strategies,
POPCOM shall also provide technical assistance and capacity building to LGUs
in the formulation of these planning and strategic documents.
1.1.4. Promotion of national and regional POPDEV issues and strategies. As the
overall coordinator of the country’s POPDEV program and strategies, it is
incumbent on POPCOM to lead the promotion of the program especially at the
national and regional levels to generate institutional and public support.
POPCOM, however, may support LGUs to promote their POPDEV program and
strategies through provision of capacity building, promotional materials, and
joint promotional activities.
1.1.5. Monitoring and evaluation of national POPDEV policies, plans and
programs. This function is part of the overall coordinative role of POPCOM in
the POPDEV program. The monitoring and evaluation, however, shall cover
performance indicators from the local to the national levels, including SDG
indicators. For this purpose, it can provide technical assistance to LGUs in
setting-up and utilizing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to aid
program planning, implementation and assessment.
1.1.6. Capacity-building and provision of technical assistance on POPDEV

strategies. As part of its steering function and national program coordinator,
POPCOM shall ensure that its implementing partners are capable and fully
equipped with skills and tools in planning, implementing and
monitoring/evaluating the POPDEV program within their jurisdiction. This
function is also aligned with the mandate under the LGC to enhance local
autonomy. The following types of training, among others, shall be made
available and accessible to the LGUs and other implementing partners:
1.1.6.1. Basic demographic and development concepts and measures;

1.1.6.2. Demographic data appreciation and analysis;
1.1.6.3. Population and development integration concepts and analytical
tools;
1.1.6.4. POPDEV approach to planning and policy development (i.e.,
POPDEV integration in socioeconomic profiling; development
planning; land use planning);
1.1.6.5. Establishment and utilization of Registry of Barangay Inhabitants
and Migrants (RBIM);
1.1.6.6. Integrating population in sectoral development programs (e.g.,
population, health and environment integrated strategies;
population and education; population and poverty reduction, etc.)
1.1.6.7. Other relevant skills as needed and requested by implementing
partners including SDG related orientation and seminars for
LGUs.
1.2. Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program/Services
The RPFP Program and Services include the provision of information and services that
enables couples, individuals and families to plan and attain their desired wellbeing and
aspirations. RPFP services include the provision of appropriate and adequate information
to make couples and individuals choose and avail of family planning methods that can help
them achieve their family planning goals. As per the Revised Population Act of the
Philippines (PD 79 as amended by PD 1204) and reinforced by the RPRH Law (RA 10354),
there should be a national family planning program to support the attainment of the
socioeconomic goals of the country. Under such decree, POPCOM is mandated to provide
overall planning and coordinative functions for such family planning program. While, Sec.
17 of the Local Government Code (LGC), devolved the provision of responsible parenthood
and family planning services, RPFP remains a national program that has a critical role in
national socioeconomic development. Being a program with macro implications and
needing certain standards to ensure the delivery of quality services, there is a need to
orchestrate local family planning programs to contribute to the national family planning
program goals and objectives. In this regard, the national family planning program shall
take the main roles of direction/policy and standards setting, planning, capacity building
and augmentation of services particularly among LGUs with lesser capacity to fully provide
the FP services or implement the program.
For this purpose, POPCOM shall take the role as national/regional program manager and
coordinator for family planning in close collaboration with the DOH. It shall ensure that
program objectives at the national and regional levels are attained through delivery of
quality FP information and services at the local level. Specifically, the following strategies
and functions shall be retained at the national/regional level through POPCOM:
1.2.1. Establishment of RPFP database and information system and provision

of relevant data to stakeholders for policymaking and program
planning. A database and information systems at the national and regional
levels on RPFP that consolidates data at various levels are necessary for
overall program management, planning, coordinative, monitoring and
evaluation functions of POPCOM and DOH. POPCOM shall generate, process
and disseminate this information to all stakeholders not only as input to the
enhancement of the national family planning program but also to other
sectoral development initiatives such as poverty reduction, health and other
relevant development concerns such as SDGs. These data and information will
also be shared to LGUs as input in the enhancement of local family planning
program. To enable them to independently generate local data, however, it
will be a national strategy to capacitate LGUs to establish, process, analyze and
use RPFP program data.
Researches and studies at the national and regional levels are likewise crucial
in generating updated knowledge necessary for program management both at
the national and local levels. They are best conducted at the national and
regional levels to provide more varied and comprehensive empirical evidence
in the design and development of appropriate RPFP interventions and
strategies. Along this function, POPCOM shall continue to design and conduct
researches the can provide important knowledge for the development of
effective interventions on RPFP based on emerging behaviors and factors
among beneficiaries. POPCOM shall also continue to support the conduct of
national surveys such as the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS)
which provides the most comprehensive data on the key indicators for the
RPFP program.
1.2.2. Formulation of plan, strategies and investment program for RPFP

services. A national/regional direction for the RPFP program is necessary to
orchestrate efficiently efforts at all levels. As such, within its mandate to
formulate and adopt coherent, integrated and comprehensive long-term
plans, programs and recommendations on population as it relates to economic
and social development consistent with and implementing the population
policy (PD 79 as amended), POPCOM, in close collaboration with DOH under
the JMC on co-management for the NPFP, shall continue to formulate plans
that define the overall program goals, objectives, targets and its
corresponding major strategies that can guide the program implementation
at all levels. This, however, shall be done in consultation with the LGUs and
other stakeholders to make it responsive to emerging local concerns. The plan
shall also define mechanisms for implementation and collaboration among
national, regional and local institutions. Capacity building and technical
assistance shall also be provided by POPCOM national and regional offices to
LGUs in developing their FP plans, expected results and strategies.
1.2.3. Demand generation and promotion of RPFP program. PD 79 mandates

POPCOM to organize and implement programs that will promote a broad
understanding of the adverse effects on family life and national welfare of
unlimited population growth. It also mandates POPCOM to make family
planning as part of the broad educational program.
Given this, to support demand generation initiatives at the local level, there
should be national communication campaigns to be implemented by POPCOM
and its regional offices. This national function shall include the following:
1.2.3.1. Development of a national communication plan and strategy that

set the standard core messages based on NPPFP objectives;
1.2.3.2. Development and dissemination of templates, prototypes and

models for communication and promotional materials and
strategies that can be printed, reproduced and used by LGUs in
their local demand generation activities; and
1.2.3.3. Conduct of national campaigns and events to drumbeat and

promote RPFP-related issues within a national and regional scope
and also to highlight important local family planning issues or to
promote local good practices for scaling-up and replication of other
LGUs.
Provision of financial assistance to 5th to 6th class municipalities and

barangays in GIDAs. As a devolution principle, the national government or
the next higher level of local government unit may provide or augment the
basic services and facilities assigned to a lower level of local government unit
when such services or facilities are not made available or, if made available,
are inadequate to meet the requirements of its inhabitants. Moreover, EO 138
and its enabling budget circular (NBC138) allows the provision of financial
assistance to LGUs under the 5th and 6th class categories or those in
geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. As such, POPCOM Regional
Offices shall provide augmentation support or grant to LGUs belonging to 5th
to 6th class municipalities or in barangays that are in GIDAs. These may
include financial assistance involved transfer of funds within existing
government rules and regulations.
Moreover, POPCOM shall engage CSOs in view of RA 10354 which provides for
their active involvement in the the promotion and delivery of family planning
services and of the General Appropriations Act that allows engagement with
POPCOM-accredited CSOs. The engagement with CSOs will be for purposes of
assisting the POPCOM in the implementation of RPFP strategies or in
augmenting capacities of LGUs particularly in demand generation and
delivery of services.
1.2.4. Coordination and implementation of Pre-Marriage Orientation (PMO).
Presidential Decree No. 965 as reinforced by the RPRH Law (RA 10354)
mandates the provision of instructions and information on family and
responsible parenthood to applicants for marriage license. While the actual
provision of the instructions on RPFP is to be provided by LGUs, the pre-
marriage counseling program is being coordinated at the national and
regional levels to ensure standard compliance by the LGUs. Currently, an
interagency TWG consisting of POPCOM, DSWD, DOH, PSA and DILG
coordinates the program and has issued Joint Memorandum Circular to set the
protocols for the conduct and implementation of the Pre-Marriage Orientation
and Counseling Program at the local level. The JMC consolidated similar
requirements prescribed by the Family Code of the Philippines (Executive
Order No. 309, series of 1987), PD 965 and the RPRH Law.
Under the implementing guidelines for PMOC (JMC), POPCOM is tasked to

provide and issue certification for the training on pre-marriage orientation
(PMO) and to also conduct continuing training and education among PMO
facilitators. In addition to face-to-face training that can be provided by
POPCOM Regional Offices, an online training on PMO shall be made accessible
through the e-learning platform under the Online POPDEV Academy.
POPCOPM also acts as the Secretariat of the national and regional PMOC
technical working group that manages and addresses policy-related issues
with national and regional scope.
1.2.5. Capacity-building and provision of technical assistance on RPFP

program. The capacity building and provision of technical assistance to LGUs
in delivering quality FP information and services aims to enhance local
autonomy in implementing and delivering effective RPFP information and
services. A nationally-led training program is likewise necessary to ensure
standards in the implementation of the various aspects of the program
including demand generation, supply chain management and service delivery
for RPFP.
For this, the following training programs shall be provided to the LGUs:
1.2.5.1. Demand generation. This includes skills in planning, designing

and assessing social and behavior change communication
strategies (SBCC), conduct of community-based RPFP classes and
sessions, and development of IEC materials.
1.2.5.2. Family Planning Competency-based Training. With the

strengthening of devolution policy, the demand for continuing
capacity building on RPFP shall increase. As such, there is a need
for national government to ensure continuing access to training of
local service providers. For this, POPCOM shall partner with DOH
in the strengthening availability of training in family planning
service delivery by setting-up POPCOM-DOH co-managed FP clinics
as training centers in addition to hospital-based training centers.
This shall be done at least within three years to help DOH-retained
hospitals in the provision of FPCBT as they are still coping with the
demands for COVID-19 services.
1.2.5.3. FP Supply Chain Management. This includes skills in managing

the logistic component of the RPFP program.
1.2.6. FP supply chain management. Under the co-management scheme with

DOH, POPCOM shall assist in the warehousing and distribution of nationally
procured FP supplies to ensure their timely availability in public health
facilities and prevent stock-out that may result to unplanned pregnancies.
This will include warehousing and distribution of FP commodities and
supplies. For this purpose, POPCOM will also continue the function and
strategy of tracking the stock level of FP commodities in public health facilities
to facilitate distribution or redistribution (i.e., moving over-stock of FP
supplies from one facility to another) of needed supplies.
Technical assistance to LGUs shall also be provided in the forecasting and

procurement of their own FP supplies. POPCOM warehouses will also be
made available for the safekeeping of locally procured FP commodities.
1.2.7. Delivery of RPFP services and demand generation. PD 79 as amended by

PD 1204 mandates POPCOM to employ or authorize the employment by
participating agencies in the national family planning, health and welfare
program of physicians, nurses, and midwives and other persons to provide,
dispense and administer all acceptable methods of contraception to all
citizens of the Philippines desirous of spacing, limiting, or preventing
pregnancies: Provided, That the above mentioned persons except physicians,
for the purpose of contraception, have been trained and duly certified by the
POPCOM. The law also mandates POPCOM to
While the provision of basic FP services is devolved, as a devolution principle

and to enhance local autonomy, the national government or the next higher
level of local government unit may provide or augment the basic services and
facilities assigned to a lower level of local government unit when such services
or facilities are not made available or, if made available, are inadequate to
meet the requirements of its inhabitants.
RPRH Law also provides for the establishment of an efficient and integrated
service delivery network which include national and regional FP service
points and organizations. As such, POPCOM shall continue to set-up FP clinics
to fill-in gaps in service delivery at the local level. This is likewise pursuant to
the mandate of POPCOM under PD 79 to provide family planning services as
part of overall health care. The POPCOM FP clinics shall be linked to local
service networks to fully cover demand for family planning services at the
community level. In collaboration with LGUs, the clinic can also be expanded
as a local satellite public health facility for primary health care.
Moreover, as part of the FP program response to the ongoing public health
emergency, POPCOM and DOH shall organize itinerant teams for long-acting
and permanent methods for both service delivery and training of other
providers. These itinerant cum training teams shall be based at the regional
level with facilities for service delivery and training at functional FP clinics.
1.2.8. Monitoring and evaluation of RPFP program. Monitoring and evaluation

functions and strategies are important in ensuring the effectiveness of the
implementation of RPFP policies, plans and programs. Thus, they are to be
conducted at all levels to ensure attainment of program objectives and targets
as well as institutional accountability to program implementation at specific
level.
1.3. Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program/Services
The AHD Program and Services include the provision of information and services to various
stakeholders to enable adolescents to prevent adolescent pregnancies and for young
mothers to prevent repeat pregnancies towards the realization of their aspirations and
potentials. It also aims to protect young people from the negative consequences of early
pregnancies including its impact on their health and socioeconomic wellbeing.
Preventing adolescent pregnancies is a key population issue that is being addressed by the
PPDP because of its demographic as well as health implications. Towards this, POPCOM has
been aggressively promoting and advocating for the enactment of policies that can create
an enabling program environment for actions towards preventing adolescent pregnancies
and protecting young mothers from the risks and vulnerabilities of early pregnancies. Along
these efforts, POPCOM was able to work on the issuance of Executive Order No. 141 which
declared as a national priority the implementation of measures addressing the root causes
of rising number of adolescent pregnancies. The Order also called for a whole-of-
government approach to involve all government agencies in the development and
implementation of relevant programs within their mandates.
The 2021 General Appropriations Act, under the special provisions for POPCOM, mandated
the development of a social protection program for teenage mothers and their children.
Such program shall be submitted to DSWD for integration in their existing social protection
program.
These recent policies indicate the need for a comprehensive and integrated program for the
prevention of adolescent pregnancies and social protection for adolescent mothers. These
policies expressly recognized the coordinative role of POPCOM on initiatives related to the
prevention of adolescent pregnancies. As such, within its mandate to coordinate a
comprehensive population program, POPCOM shall continue managing and coordinating a
national/regional AHD program with the main objectives mentioned above.
For this, the following functions and strategies shall be retained and to be delivered by
POPCOM national and regional offices:
1.3.1. Establishment of AHD database, information and knowledge system. A

database and information system at the national and regional levels on AHD
that consolidates data at various levels is necessary for overall program
planning and coordination functions of POPCOM. It will sustainably enhance
such information system through conduct of relevant researches and studies
on AHD-related concerns that can be used in developing more effective
strategies or interventions in preventing and reducing adolescent
pregnancies nationwide. In line with this, POPCOM shall likewise continue to
support the conduct of national surveys such as the Young Adult Fertility and
Sexuality Survey (YAFSS) and other similar studies to generate needed
information for the continual improvement of the AHD program.
In addition, technical assistance to LGUs in setting-up local database and

information systems to effectively track and inform their AHD programs shall
also be provided by POPCOM national and regional offices.
1.3.2. Formulation of national and regional AHD plan, strategies and

investment program. POPCOM is mandated by PD 79 to formulate and adopt
coherent, integrated and comprehensive long-term plans, programs and
recommendations on population as it relates to economic and social
development consistent with and implementing the population policy. EO
141 also specifically mandated POPCOM to consolidated initiatives of all
government agencies into a Comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention
of Adolescent Pregnancies. Moreover, 2021 GAA also mandated POPCOM,
together with DSWD, to development a social protection program for
adolescent mothers and their children.
The national and regional AHD plans which shall become an integral part of
the PPD-PoA shall serve as the overall blueprint for orchestrated and
harmonized strategies for all stakeholders at all levels including the LGUs. As
part of its localization strategies, POPCOM shall continuously provide
technical assistance to LGUs in the development, design and implementation
of programs and strategies that prevent and reduce adolescent pregnancies
within their locality.
1.3.3. Promotion and communication strategies for prevention of adolescent

pregnancies. Similar to RPFP, a national promotional and communication
strategy is also necessary to raise wider and broader public awareness than
the LGU could reach. It shall support local promotional interventions.
Moreover, EO 141 also mandated POPCOM to educate leaders and other

stakeholders on evidence-based interventions for the prevention of
adolescent pregnancies and promotion of adolescent reproductive health.
This mandate includes the design and launch of a campaign that could
increase and mobilize public awareness and whole-of-nation approach
towards specific action to prevent adolescent pregnancies.
Promotional and communication strategies at the national and regional levels

shall be pursued in collaboration with relevant national government agencies
including the National Youth Commission (NYC), Council for the Welfare of
Children (CWC), DOH, DSWD and other relevant agencies. As per EO 141,
communication interventions shall optimize available online platforms such
as various social media.
Along this strategy and function, POPCOM shall continue to raise to public
awareness and key actions among decisionmakers concerns on adolescent
health and development through the design and conduct of nationwide
campaign on the prevention of adolescent pregnancies through various media
and communication channels. It shall likewise aggressively involve the LGUs
in such communication campaign through:
1.3.3.1. Development of a national AHD communication plan and strategy

that set the standard core messages for locally launched
campaigns;
1.3.3.2. Development and dissemination of templates, prototypes and

models for communication and promotional materials and
strategies that can be printed, reproduced and used by LGUs in
their promotional activities; and
1.3.3.3. Conduct of national campaigns and events to drumbeat and

promote AHD-related issues within a national and regional scope
and also to highlight important local AHD issues or to promote local
good practices for scaling-up and replication of other LGUs.
1.3.4. Capacity-building and provision of technical assistance on AHD

program. As part of its mandate under EO 141, POPCOM shall provide
technical assistance and capacity building to stakeholders on evidence-based
interventions for the prevention of adolescent pregnancies and promotion of
adolescent reproductive health. Along this function, POPCOM shall continue
to promote the use of various training materials it developed on AHD to be
used by various stakeholders. Some of these materials include the following:
1.3.4.1. Facilitator’s Guide on Sexually Health and Personally Empowered

Adolescents (SHAPE-A);
1.3.4.2. Guidebook in establishing information and service delivery
network (ISDN) for AHD;
1.3.4.3. Facilitator’s Guide on Parent-Teen Talk;
1.3.4.4. Learning Package on Parents’ Education on Adolescent Health
and Development.
These types of materials shall be updated and disseminated to guide LGUs and
other stakeholders in the development and implementation of AHD-related
interventions. Corresponding training on these modules shall be made
available to LGUs and groups of teachers, parents, service providers, youth
organizations and other stakeholders. To make the training more accessible,
these training shall be made accessible through e-learning platforms through
the Online POPDEV Academy.
1.3.5. Delivery of AHD services. To assist LGUs in the delivery of AHD services,
POPCOM shall provide technical assistance in the setting-up of referral
systems such as the ISDN for AHD and establishment and management of Teen
Centers in schools or communities. It will also support LGUs in the provision
of family planning services especially among adolescent mothers through the
POPCOM FP Clinics and deployment of itinerant teams.

functions and strategies at the national and regional levels shall be pursued to
ensure alignment and effectiveness of the implementation of AHD policies,
plans and programs.
2. Devolved POPDEV Functions and Strategies

The Local Government Code (RA 7160) devolved to specific level of LGUs the provision of basic
family planning and population development services as part of the general welfare services
enumerated under Section 17 of the Code. In addition, the LGC underscored the devolution
principle that the capabilities of local government units, especially the municipalities and
barangays, can be enhanced by providing them with opportunities to participate actively in the
implementation of national programs and projects. Within this principle, POPCOM shall pursue
initiatives that will devolve or localize basic POPDEV strategies to strengthens the LGUs’
participation and contribution to the attainment of the regional and national goals of the PPDP
through effective collaborative and partnership mechanisms. Specifically, POPCOM national and
regional offices will closely work with LGUs at relevant levels to strengthen the devolution or
local implementation of the functions and strategies discussed below.
2.1. POPDEV Services and Program
The POPDEV services and program at the local level involves strategies that seek to
address population issues to facilitate socioeconomic development within their
locality. These population issues include, but are not limited to, rapid population
growth, unmanaged influx of migrants, and high fertility among poor families and
population as they impact on various development concerns. The attainment of the
country’s SDG indicators will also be harmonized at local level where LGUs develop
their own SDG-related programs. POPCOM, as an agency member of the SDG sub-
committee of the DBCC, will provide assistance to LGUs in POPDEV related SDG
indicators. These issues impact on various local development conditions such as
health, education, employment, food security, urban and rural development,
environment, and other development concerns affecting the wellbeing of their
constituents. Thus, an integrated strategy and program to address these issues need
to be set-up to facilitate full local socioeconomic development.
The following functions and strategies are to be devolved to LGUs:
2.1.1. Establishment of local POPDEV database and information systems. With

more direct function to deliver general welfare services to the people within
their jurisdictions, it is important for LGUs at all levels to have databases on
the number, distribution and other characteristics of their population as basis
for planning, policy development and resource programming. As part of the
formulation of local comprehensive development plan and land use plan,
ecological profiles and sectoral studies are prepared. The Community-Based
Monitoring System (CBMS) Act (RA 11315) also mandates the establishment
and institution of CBMS in every city and municipality as an economic and
social tool towards the formulation and implementation of poverty alleviation
and development programs which are responsive to the basic needs of the
sectors of the community. LGUs are also encouraged under the JMC on
Demographic Vulnerability to use tools developed by POPCOM in their Covid
19 response. Deepening studies on censuses of population and housing may
be used by LGUs under POPCOM mentoring to identify other demographic
vulnerabilities.
At the provincial and city level, Sec.488 of the LGC also tasked the local
population development officer to establish and maintain an updated data
bank for program operations and development planning. Moreover, Barangay
Secretaries are mandated under the Local Government Code to establish a
registry of barangay inhabitants as database for planning and identification of
basic services.
While these functions and strategies on data collection and management have
been devolved to the LGUs through various enabling policies, there is a need
to underscore the efficient and effective analysis of the level, trends and
patterns of demographic data with conscious consideration of its implication
on development initiatives such as health, education, employment,
environmental development and food security, among others, to enhance
their capacity for greater efficiency in the allocation of limited resources and
higher equity impact of their development programs and projects. The
demographic data should be used in not only in estimating the quantity of
basic services to be provided but also to identify issues and corresponding
interventions that affect their quality of life.
To deepen their knowledge and understanding about the demographic and

developmental conditions within the entire province or city, provinces and
cities may conduct POPDEV researches and studies. These studies can be
shared and used in planning and policy formulation within the entire province
or city.
Tracking and Managing Internal Migration. Sec. 37 of RA 7279 mandates

LGUs to set-up an effective mechanism to monitor trends in the movements of
population from rural to urban, urban to urban, and urban to rural areas. They
shall identify measures by which such movements can be influenced to
achieve balance between urban capabilities and population, to direct
appropriate segments of the population into areas where they can have access
to opportunities to improve their lives and to contribute to national growth.
In addition to the provisions of RA 7279 mandating LGUs to set-up

mechanisms to track internal migration movement and of the LGC for the
Barangay Secretary to profile all inhabitants, the need for internal migration
data including the characteristics of migrants has more direct use for LGUs in
their development policies and programs especially in estimating local
government service requirements.
To efficiently track population movement within their localities, cities,
municipalities and barangays may establish an administrative data to
generate near to real-time data and information on people who are moving in
and out o the locality. For this purpose, LGUs may adopt the Registry of
Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM) that POPCOM has developed. The
RBIM can be used as a complement to the CBMS and other existing databases.
Technical assistance in setting this database can be provided by POPCOM and
trained staff from Provincial Population and Development Office.
2.1.2. Formulation of local POPDEV-related policies. In exercise of their

legislative power, LGUs at all levels may develop POPDEV-related policies that
address emerging population issues that are affecting development concerns
within their locality.
Sec. 488 of the LGC mandates the Local Population Development Officer in
provinces, cities and municipalities to formulate measures for the
consideration of the Sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support
to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in carrying out measures to
ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities
relative to the integration of the population development principles and in
providing access to said services and facilities.
As the main coordinator for the POPDEV program within the province, the
local population development officer in the province may provide technical
assistance to component cities and municipalities in formulating POPDEV-
related policies.
2.1.3. Formulation, coordination and implementation of local POPDEV plans

and programs. LGUs, through the local population development officer, shall
develop plans and strategies and implement the same, particularly those
which have to do with the integration of population development principles
and methods in programs and projects which the governor or mayor is
empowered to implement and which the Sanggunian is empowered to provide
for under the Code. The integration involves the mobilization and
engagement of various local departments and stakeholders.
The provinces and cities, as the main coordinator and manager for POPDEV
program within the province, may provide technical assistance to component
cities, municipalities or their barangays in developing POPCOM plans and
programs.
2.1.4. Promotion of local POPDEV issues and strategies. Local population

officers are tasked under the LGC to establish and maintain an educational
program to ensure the people's participation in and understanding of
population development. As such, LGUs shall endeavor to design and
implement communication and promotional activities that aim to raise public
awareness on POPDEV issues and to generate their support in the
implementation of relevant strategies.
2.1.5. Monitoring and evaluation of local POPDEV policies, plans and
programs. This function should be an integral component of ensuring the
effective implementation of local POPDEV policies, plans and programs. A
local M&E for population-related activities may be set-up.
2.1.6. Capacity-building and provision of technical assistance on POPDEV

strategies. In close collaboration with POPCOM Regional Offices, the province
may roll-out or provide training or capacity building activities on POPDEV
strategies to its component cities and municipalities.
2.2. Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program/Services
The delivery or provision of basic RPFP Program and Services has been devolved since the
implementation of the LGC. The LGUs role in the implementation of the family planning
program was reinforced by the RPRH (RA 10354) and its Implementing Rules and
Regulations, Executive Order No. 12, and enabling DILG Memorandum Circulars (2015-145;
2017-85; 2019-100; 2020-132). In summary, the following are the roles and
responsibilities of the LGUs in the implementation of the RPRH law:
• Ensure the provision of full range of responsible parenthood (including demand

generation) and reproductive health care services, including all family planning
methods, supplies, and commodities, both natural and artificial, which are legal,
medically safe, non-abortifacient and effective, to all clients at appropriate level
of care;
• Ensure that all health facilities have an adequate number and adequate training
for skilled health professionals for reproductive health care;
• Organize the Service Delivery Network (SDN) to ensure the continuum of
reproductive health care and services;
• Establish or upgrade all public health facilities in the service delivery network
(SDN);
• Ensure that barriers to reproductive health care for persons with disabilities
(PWDs) are responded to;
• Map the available RH services in every public and private health facilities and
designate population to each of the core referral facilities to ensure universal
coverage of reproductive health care;
• Conduct maternal, fetal, and infant death reviews and use the results of the
review to improve service delivery;
• Implement an effective and well-targeted distribution program of reproductive
health supplies and commodities supplied by DOH;
• Support the promotion of comprehensive reproductive health education in
formal and informal learning settings in school and in communities;
• Augment the gaps in the family planning commodities and supplies provided by
DOH to cover non-NHTS clients to ensure universal access to RH services;
• Procure, operate, and maintain mobile health care service (MHCS) to deliver RH
care and services particularly to its indigent constituents;
• Strengthen its pre-marriage orientation for applicants for marriage license,
without exemption, based on the Joint Guidelines of DOH, POPCOM, DILG, and
DSWD;
• Assign Reproductive Health (RH) Officer of the Day, who will ensure access of all
clients seeking RH care, in every public health facility at all levels of care;
• Initiate participation and engagement of civil society organization (CSO) in the
implementation of the RPRH law in the locality;
• Organize implementing and coordinative mechanism for the implementation of
RPRH law in the implementation of the law; and
• Appropriate funds for the implementation of the RPRH Act through their
Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Annual Investment Program (AIP),
Gender and Development (GAD) Plan and Budget, and other relevant budget
sources such as fund for children, PWDs, and Senior Citizens, where relevant and
applicable;
However, there are different levels of ownership and implementation across LGUs
because of several factors. With the increased share from the national tax allotment,
their capacity to address the gaps in the full implementation of the local family
planning program can be addressed. Aligned and in addition to the roles of the LGUs
in the implementation of the RPRH law and the LGC in relation to the provision of
family planning services, the following functions and activities shall strengthen the
devolution of basic family planning services at the local level.
2.2.1. Establishment of local RPFP database and information system and

provision of relevant data to stakeholders for policymaking and
program planning. LGUs shall strengthen their database and information
systems on RPFP to consolidate data necessary for overall program
management, planning, coordinative, monitoring and evaluation functions.
LGUs shall generate, process and disseminate this information as input to the
enhancement of the local RPFP program and to other sectoral development
initiatives such as poverty reduction, health and other relevant development
concerns. These data and information will also be shared to POPCOM, DOH
and other national government agencies as input in the enhancement of
national family planning program.
2.2.2. Formulation of plan, strategies and investment program for RPFP

services. To make it more systematic, the provision of basic RPFP
information and services should be organized and implemented into a
coherent program. As such, there is a need to formulate a program or work
plan that defines the objectives and targets and programs available resources.
The RPFP program at the provincial level shall cover the component cities and
municipalities while the cities and municipalities cover all barangay within
their jurisdictions.
The local RPFP plan or program shall be aligned with the national/regional
direction to contribute to the attainment of higher-level program goals and
objectives. LGUs shall collaborate and requests needed capacity building and
technical assistance from POPCOM national and regional offices.
2.2.3. Demand generation and promotion of RPFP program. As an integral part

of service delivery of RPFP services, there is a need for LGUs, particularly
cities, municipalities and barangays to generate demand for modern FP use.
Demand generation shall be part of their local budget or FP service provision
to ensure that they can fully cover existing unmet need for modern FP
methods within their locality. Specific tasks of demand generation, RPRH
information provision and maintenance of an RPFP information system
(POPCOM-designed) should be assigned to the local population and
development officer. Demand generation may be strengthened through the
following activities to be implemented by the LGUs:
2.2.3.1. Recruitment, training and mobilization of community-based

volunteers for the demand generation, identifying unmet needs for
modern family planning, and referral for appropriate services;
2.2.3.2. Conduct of RPFP classes or sessions or house-to-house campaign
among all women of reproductive age and men;
2.2.3.3. Promoting men’s involvement in RPFP;
2.2.3.4. Training and mobilization of satisfied FP users as peer educators
and motivator for FP use;
2.2.3.5. Strengthening of referral system including setting-up and
maintenance of database of those with unmet need to monitor
provision of appropriate services;
2.2.3.6. Development, production and dissemination of IEC materials (e.g.,
using available prototypes); and
2.2.3.7. Conduct of social and behavior change communication strategies
including use of social media and other online partners to reach to
target audiences.
The Provincial Population and Development Office or other concerned

agencies within the province may also provide technical guidance and
assistance in the implementation and monitoring of efficient and coherent
demand generation strategies at the city and municipal levels. Assistance may
include the conduct of training, provision of IEC materials, and mobilization
support for demand generation activities.
2.2.4. Strengthening of the Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling (PMOC)

Program. Presidential Decree No. 965 as reinforced by the RPRH Law (RA
10354) mandates the provision of instructions and information on family and
responsible parenthood to applicants for marriage license by the PMOC Team
at the local level. Currently, the specific protocols for the implementation of
the program are guided by the JMC issued by POPCOM, DSWD, DOH, PSA and
DILG. In strengthening the implementation of the program, the following, but
not limited to, may be undertaken by the LGUs specifically at the city and
municipal level:
2.2.4.1. Continuing training and accreditation of PMOC facilitators and

workers;
2.2.4.2. Provision and dissemination of take-home IEC materials;
2.2.4.3. Development and adoption of innovative communication
strategies;
2.2.4.4. Improvement of physical requirements for the conduct of the
PMOC;
2.2.4.5. Ensuring adequate supplies for the operations of the PMOC;
2.2.4.6. Establishment and maintenance of functional and efficient
database for program improvement; and
2.2.4.7. Conduct of program review and planning for continual
improvement.
2.2.5. Capacity-building on RPFP program. To ensure the delivery of quality RPFP

information and services, the continuing capacity building of RPFP workers at
all levels shall be given priority by the LGUs. Demand generation activities by
population development officers will be technically supported and assisted by
POPCOM regional offices. In collaboration with national government agencies
such as POPCOM and DOH, LGUs shall ensure that its FP service providers
have the necessary skills on the following:
2.2.5.1. Effective demand generation strategies;

2.2.5.2. Family planning competency-based training at appropriate levels;
2.2.5.3. FP supply chain management;
2.2.5.4. Setting-up and operationalization of functional and effective
integrated service delivery network; and
2.2.5.5. RPFP program management and leadership.
As the RPFP program manager in the entire province, the Provincial

Population Development Officer may organize the provision of the needed
training of the service providers and program workers at the city and
municipal levels.
2.2.6. FP supply chain management. The RPRH law mandated the LGUs to procure
FP commodities to augment the nationally-distributed FP supplies intended
for those belonging to economically poor beneficiaries. Local procurement of
FP supplies shall ensure universal coverage of its population. The Province
may initiate initiatives to ensure availability of FP supplies in all health
facilities within its cities and municipalities.
2.2.7. Delivery of RPFP services. As the delivery of RPFP services have been
devolved, local initiatives should be focused on the key activities that can
improve the delivery of such services. Taking from the roles of the LGUs in
the implementation of the RPRH law, the following should be provided with
priority efforts and corresponding resources:
2.2.7.1. Ensuring the availability and provision of full range of responsible

parenthood and reproductive health care services, including all
family planning methods, supplies, and commodities, to all clients
at appropriate level of care;
2.2.7.2. Ensuring that all health facilities have an adequate number and
adequate training for skilled health professionals for reproductive
health care;
2.2.7.3. Organization and mobilization of integrated Service Delivery
Network (SDN) to ensure the continuum of reproductive health
care and services;
2.2.7.4. Establishing or upgrading of all public health facilities in the service
delivery network (SDN);
2.2.7.5. Recruitment, continuing training and mobilization of population
community volunteers for demand generation and referrals;
2.2.7.6. Ensuring that barriers to reproductive health care for persons with
disabilities (PWDs) are responded to;
2.2.7.7. Mapping the available RH services in every public and private
health facilities and designating population to each of the core
referral facilities to ensure universal coverage of reproductive
health care;
2.2.7.8. Implementing an effective and well-targeted distribution program
of reproductive health supplies and commodities supplied by DOH
and POPCOM;
2.2.7.9. Supporting the promotion of comprehensive reproductive health
education in formal and informal learning settings in school and in
communities and provision of FP services among adolescent
mothers;
2.2.7.10. Augmenting the gaps in the family planning commodities and
supplies provided by DOH to cover non-NHTS clients to ensure
universal access to RH services;
2.2.7.11. Procuring, operating, and maintaining a mobile health care service
(MHCS) to deliver RH care and services particularly to its indigent
constituents;
2.2.7.12. Designating a local population officer who can manage and
coordinate the local RPFP program;
2.2.7.13. Assigning Reproductive Health (RH) Officer of the Day, who will
ensure access of all clients seeking RH care, in every public health
facility at all levels of care;
2.2.7.14. Initiating the participation and engagement of civil society
organization (CSO) in the implementation of the RPRH law in the
locality;
2.2.7.15. Organize implementing and coordinative mechanism for the
implementation of RPRH law in the implementation of the law and
the RPFP program; and
2.2.7.16. Appropriating funds for the implementation of the RPRH Act
through their Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP), Annual
Investment Program (AIP), Gender and Development (GAD) Plan
and Budget, and other relevant budget sources such as fund for
children, PWDs, and Senior Citizens, where relevant and applicable;

functions and strategies are important in ensuring the effectiveness of the
implementation of local RPFP policies, plans and programs. Thus, they are to
be conducted at all levels to ensure attainment of program objectives and
targets as well as institutional accountability to program implementation at
specific level.
2.3. Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) Program/Services
Essentially, the LGUs are mandated to ensure the wellbeing of the people within its
jurisdiction including the children, adolescent and youth. Thus, the implementation of
strategies that address the concerns and issues affecting their wellbeing, including the
incidence of early pregnancies and childbirth, is within the main responsibility of the LGUs.
Supported by constitutional provision and other various national policies including the
RPRH law and the SK Reform Law, many LGUs have already implemented various
interventions addressing health and development issues among young people within their
locality. As such, efforts to strengthen the devolution related to AHD program should focus
in establishing a coherent and effective local AHD program that is aligned with national and
regional strategies. Within this context, the following strategies shall be reinforced within
the responsibility of the LGUs:
2.3.1. Establishment of AHD database, information and knowledge system. A

coherent and effective AHD program needs a comprehensive and updated
database and information systems that can inform program management,
planning, coordinative, monitoring and evaluation functions. For this purpose,
LGUs shall generate, process and disseminate this information as input to the
enhancement of the local AHD program and to other relevant initiatives
within the locality. These data and information shall also be shared to
POPCOM and other national government agencies as input in the
enhancement of national AHD program.
2.3.2. Formulation of local AHD policies, plan, strategies and investment

program. The local AHD should be coherently designed through a plan and
program structure to ensure its effectiveness. A comprehensive AHD plan,
which should be formulated in consultation with various stakeholders within
the locality or an organized coordinative body such as an Information Service
Delivery Network (ISDN) for AHD or Local Youth Development Council
(LYDC), shall define the key issues and corresponding priority strategies that
shall be undertaken by the LGU. The Plan may also define the collaborative
and implementing arrangement among stakeholders including national and
regional government agencies, CSOs and development partners.
The Plan may be integrated in the Local Youth Development Plan (LYDP) and
the local comprehensive development plan and annual investment program
to ensure corresponding budgetary support. Such Plan and AHD-related
strategies should be evidence-based to ensure its effectiveness.
The local AHD plans shall be aligned with the national, regional and provincial
priorities and strategies to ensure harmonization of interventions at all levels.
The province may take the lead in consolidating a province-wide AHD plan
that shall be used for program management purposes.
Local AHD Policy. Comprehensive local policies on AHD may also be

developed and implemented at all LGU levels. Such policy may provide an
integrated policy response to the various factors (e.g., health, social, cultural
and economic factors) affecting adolescent pregnancies within the locality.
These policies shall provide a more sustainable framework in addressing
incidence of early pregnancies in the LGUs.
2.3.3. Promotion and communication strategies for prevention of adolescent

pregnancies. LGUs shall take the lead and initiatives in the design of
appropriate communication and promotional strategies in preventing
adolescent pregnancies within their locality. Such communication strategies
should be based on the identified communication and behavioral factors of
intended audiences. It may include school and community-based
interventions. It may also be implemented through online and internet-based
platforms and/or in other modalities that can reach the widest base of
intended audiences.
Along this strategy, the LGU may implement the following sample strategies
and approaches:
2.3.3.1. Intensified implementation of comprehensive sexuality education

among adolescents, parents, teachers, service providers, and other
adult groups which have influence on the sexual behaviors of young
people;
2.3.3.2. Networking and mobilization of youth organizations for
communication campaign;
2.3.3.3. Development and dissemination of IEC materials;
2.3.3.4. Optimizing online and digital platforms to reach out to adolescents
within the community;
2.3.3.5. Engagement with CSOs and the private sector in the conduct of
province, city or municipal-wide campaign on the prevention of
adolescent pregnancies;
2.3.3.6. Mobilization of local media in the promotion of key message
towards the prevention of adolescent pregnancies;
2.3.3.7. Intergenerational dialogue (parent-teen talk);
2.3.4. Capacity-building and provision of technical assistance on AHD

program. As part of its mandate under EO 141, POPCOM shall provide
technical assistance and capacity building to stakeholders on evidence-based
interventions for the prevention of adolescent pregnancies and promotion of
adolescent reproductive health. Along this function, POPCOM shall continue
to promote the use of various training materials it developed on AHD to be
used by various stakeholders. Some of these materials include the following:
2.3.4.1. Facilitator’s Guide on Sexually Health and Personally Empowered

Adolescents (SHAPE-A);
2.3.4.2. Guidebook in establishing information and service delivery
network (ISDN) for AHD;
2.3.4.3. Facilitator’s Guide on Parent-Teen Talk;
2.3.4.4. Learning Package on Parents’ Education on Adolescent Health
and Development.
These types of materials shall be updated and disseminated to guide LGUs and
other stakeholders in the development and implementation of AHD-related
interventions. Corresponding training on these modules shall be made
available to LGUs and groups of teachers, parents, service providers, youth
organizations and other stakeholders. To make the training more accessible,
these training shall be made accessible through e-learning platforms through
the Online POPDEV Academy.
2.3.5. Delivery of AHD services. To assist LGUs in the delivery of AHD services,
POPCOM shall provide technical assistance in the setting-up of referral
systems such as the ISDN for AHD and establishment and management of Teen
Centers in schools or communities. It will also support LGUs in the provision
of family planning services especially among adolescent mothers through the
POPCOM FP Clinics and deployment of itinerant teams.

functions and strategies at the national and regional levels shall be pursued to
ensure alignment and effectiveness of the implementation of AHD policies,
plans and programs.
B. Implementation Strategy and Phasing of Devolution

Since the basic responsible parenthood and family planning services are already devolved and are
being implemented by many LGUs, the main strategy will be to strengthen the capacity and
implementing mechanisms of all concerned LGUs. For POPDEV services, the emphasis will be on the
establishment of local population and development offices as mandated by the LGC but is optional.
With the continuing importance of effectively managing and developing the population to facilitate
local socioeconomic development at the household up to the local level, all LGUs should be able to
create a dedicated office to plan, coordinate, implement and evaluate POPDEV services.
In summary, the following strategies and activities will be pursued towards the localization of RPFP,
AHD and POPDEV services and programs:
1. Formulation of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-PoA)

for 2022-2028. The PPD-PoA shall serve as the main guiding policy and strategy in pursuing
the localization of POPDEV, RPFP and AHD programs and services. The PPD-PoA shall
contain the overall goals, objectives and strategies of the national POPDEV program to which
the local POPDEV strategies shall be aligned. The PPD-PoA shall be prepared and approved
during the first quarter of 2022.
2. Consultation with the LGUs and partnership building. To make the devolution of these
programs more responsive to the existing capacities, resources and other important factors
at the local level, POPCOM Regional Offices consulted with groups of LGUs through its existing
coordinative bodies and courtesy visits with the local chief executives and other local officials.
Their inputs were considered in this POPDEV devolution transition plan (DTP).
Continuing consultation and in-depth dialogue with each LGU or cluster of LGUs particularly
from the province down to the municipal level shall be undertaken. The consultation sessions
shall involve:
2.1. Presentation and discussion of the POPCOM-DTP focusing on the functions,
programs, strategies and activities to be devolved;
2.2. Institutional arrangement to support the LGUs in substantially adopting the proposed
initiatives and strategies including mechanisms for coordination, technical
assistance, and counterparting or resource sharing;
2.3. Timeline and schedule of major preparatory and next steps for the rolling out of
devolution;
2.4. Other important matters related to devolution.
These consultations aim to formalize the partnership and collaboration between POPCOM
and the LGU through a Partnership Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding/
Agreement. This partnership agreement shall essentially contain agreed collaborative
arrangements between the executing parties.
Target: By 2022, POPCOM shall endeavor to execute partnership agreement with about 30%
of provinces, cities and municipalities. This is to give way to the transition of the new local
administration by June of such year. Efforts will, however, be undertaken to execute
partnership agreements with LGUs through the incumbent local executive and Sanggunian
especially in areas where local officials have high likelihood to be reelected in the same
position.
3. Capacity building. Continuous enhancement and building of the capacities of the concerned
LGUs shall be pursued as the major strategy of POPCOM to support the local governments in
the efficient devolution and localization of the POPDEV strategies and programs. Efforts shall
include the following:
3.1. Development and distribution of manuals, guidelines, work instructions, job aid, tools
and other materials that can serve as reference and guide to LGUs in designing and
implementing specific POPDEV strategies;
3.2. Conduct of various types of training and capacity building activities at the local level
involving staff who will be directly involved in the localization of POPDEV initiatives;
3.3. Training of trainers and facilitators at the national, regional, provincial and city levels
to ensure the availability and supply of training as they are demanded and needed -
the Provincial Population and Development Office shall likewise be trained to
effectively provide training and technical assistance to cities and municipalities;
3.4. Development and operationalization of e-learning platforms for training and capacity
building to expand availability of individual and self-paced training;
3.5. Development of online portal of all prototype, templates, tool and other relevant
materials for easier access by the LGUs;
3.6. Post-training assessment that ensures applicability of training within the actual
working environment of the participants and to serve as input in the enhancement of
the trainings.
By 2022, around 40 percent of the LGUs shall be trained on at least one type of training for
each of the RPFP, AHD and POPDEV-related interventions. By 2024, all LGUs will have been
trained on all POPDEV-related skills, tools and approaches.
4. Continuing provision of technical assistance. Technical assistance shall be continuously
and proactively provided by POPCOM Central Office and Regional Offices to ensure efficient
localization of the all POPDEV strategies and functions. Such assistance shall be made
accessible through various modalities including continuing monitoring, consultations and
coordination with LGUs. This shall entail continuing capacity development of POPCOM staff
as well as staff from the Provincial Population and Development Office as the more direct
coordinator among cities and municipalities.
Section IV
PROGRAM AND SERVICE DELIVERY STANDARDS

The standards for relevant POPDEV services and strategies to be devolved is specifically provided in
ANNEX C-1. The following systems, tools and services shall have the following basic standards which
shall be adopted and ensured by the LGUs:
A. Program and Service Standards
1. POPDEV Services/Program
1.1. Establishment of local POPDEV database and information system (including the
Demographic Vulnerability Tables and SDG-related indicators of LGUs)
The standard for the local POPDEV database and information system which shall include
the comprehensive dataset on demographic situation of the locality, demographic
vulnerability tables and SDG-related indicators of the LGUs shall be based on its basic
purpose of providing timely, accurate, relevant, reliable, verifiable and
comprehensive data and information that can efficiently inform situational
analysis, program review, strategic planning, policymaking, target-setting and
program development at the local level. Moreover, the database shall be accessible
such that it can provide timely support not only for the needs of the concerned LGU but
also for the requirements and requests from external institutions at higher level of
governance and other organizations such as CSOs and development partners. To guide
the LGUs in setting-up these databases, a manual and sourcebook shall be developed by
POPCOM.
1.2. Registry of Barangay Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM)
This specific POPDEV database aims to provide timely, accurate, relevant, reliable,
verifiable and comprehensive data and information on the population movement in and
out of the locality. Pursuant to Sec. 37 of RA 7279 or the UDHA Law, the RBIM is an
administrative data that is updated regularly to track population movement and
supports or complementary to other existing databases such as the Community-Based
Monitoring System (CBMS) and other types of household information system (e.g.,
NHTS). Specifically, it profiles basic information from migrants and population moving
out of the locality to have a real time information needed specifically for projecting and
planning for the service requirements and other purposes of the concerned LGU.
The RBIM is to be set-up in the barangay as a system integrated in their registry of

barangay inhabitants mandated to be set-up by the LGC by the Barangay Secretary.
Currently, this registry is gathered through a hardcopy of profile forms which are
collected and filed as they are in the barangay. Through the RBIM, these shall be
systematized and automated to serve as a useful database that can process information
and knowledge about its inhabitants including those who have arrived and move out of
the barangay. The city and municipal government can consolidate these RBIMs to have
a tracking system as part of its compliance to the UDHA law.
The standard for this database system is provided in the Manual of Operations for the
RBIM.
2. Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Services/Program
2.1. Demand generation activities for RPFP at local level
The demand generation activities for RPFP basically aims to provide accurate and
adequate information for couples and individuals on RPFP specifically information on
the benefits and types of various family planning methods to enable them to effectively
plan their family. The demand generation activities should also be able to identify the
preference and choices of couples and individuals on family planning methods and, more
importantly, they are referred to appropriate facilities for them to accessed expressed
need for such methods. RPFP information should be able to address existing
misinformation about FP methods and to eventually motivate them to exercise family
planning based on their fertility intentions and informed choice.
The standards for the demand generation including the accurate information, methods
and approaches of demand generation, tools for profiling needs for family planning, and
other job aids are provided in the updated RPFP manual of operations to be provided by
POPCOM.
2.2. Provision of Pre-Marriage Orientation and Counseling (PMOC)
The PMOC is already a established program at the local level and currently being guided
by the JMC issued by DOH, DSWD, DILG, POPCOM and PSA. The JMC provides for the
standard protocols including the topics, procedures, resources needed, forms, tools, and
other requirements for the conduct of efficient PMOC program at the local level.
Moreover, the accreditation of the pre-marriage counselors as one of the requirements
of the program is provided by DSWD Memorandum Circular No. 1, s. 2019. Through
monitoring and evaluation of the PMOC, the guidelines shall be continually updated and
enhanced.
2.3. Delivery of RPFP services
The delivery of family planning service in public health facilities are well-guided by
existing clinical standards and protocols issued by the Department of Health including
The Philippine Clinical Standards on Family Planning and other relevant issuances by DOH
and POPCOM including the guidelines on observing informed consent and voluntarism
(ICV). As such, the standards shall be ensured through constant monitoring, program
assessment/review and reporting to be undertaken jointly by POPCOM and DOH and
other relevant agencies. For this, the intervention to support devolution shall be to
strengthen local capacities to observe the FP delivery standards at all times.
2.4. FP Supply Chain Management
Local government units are expected to have an efficient mechanism for FP supply chain
management to ensure the quality of the commodities and supplies being provided to
their clients. The supply chain management include the procurement, receipt, storage,
packaging/repackaging, distribution and dispensing of the supplies and commodities.
Under the RPRH law, the LGUs can procure their own FP commodities that are legal, non-
abortifacient and medically-safe based on the certification of the Food and Drugs
Administration (FDA). For this purpose, the types of FP supplies that can be procured
by the LGUs shall be based on the existing DOH guidelines including those listed in the
Philippine National Formulary. The procurement process shall be guided by the existing
law on government procurement (RA 9184).
The storage, warehousing, and other activities under the supply chain management shall
be provided specifically in a manual of operations to be developed jointly by POPCOM
and DOH through the assistance from development partners.
3. Adolescent Health and Development Services/Program
3.1. Establishment and operationalization of Information and Service Delivery

Network (ISDN) for Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) – to include social
protection interventions for adolescent
The ISDN for AHD is a coordinative and integrated service delivery mechanism for the
comprehensive and holistic needs and service requirements of adolescents in the
locality. It is a network of health, social, economic, protective and other programs and
services that aim to enable adolescents achieve their wellbeing, aspirations and
potentials. It consists of various organizations, facilities and service providers working
collectively and bounded by effective referral mechanisms to ensure the continuum of
care and interventions needed by adolescents. As such, the objective and operative
standards of the ISDN is to ensure that comprehensive, relevant, timely and appropriate
information and services are provided or can be accessed by all adolescents within the
locality especially among those in poor and marginalized situations.
The standards for the ISDN shall be provided by the Guidebook on the Establishment of
ISDN for AHD developed by POPCOM, and the guidelines on establishing
adolescent/youth friendly facilities and AHD program by DOH.
B. Minimum Organizational Structure and Staffing Complement
The minimum organizational structure and staffing complement at the local level needed for the
delivery of the devolved POPDEV functions, programs and strategies is provided in ANNEX C-2A.
Currently, since the creation of a local population office has become optional five years after the
implementation of the LGC, only a number of provinces, cities and municipalities have existing Local
Population and Development Offices. They highly different in terms of arrangements with some
created as independent office and mostly are incorporated as a section or unit of local health and/or
social welfare and development offices. These local population offices also perform varied functions
and services depending on their attachments to certain department of major office. Some of them
are providing and managing the family planning program directly, especially those attached with the
health office, while some of them are merely implementing the demand generation aspect of the
program. Not many of them have coherent AHD and POPDEV program.
Moreover, variations also exist in terms of the title of these existing local population offices. Most of
them are titled depending on their functions mandated by the local chief executives.
Given these realities, efforts shall be focused on enabling the LGU to set-up the local population and
development offices essentially based on the provisions of the Sec. 488 of LGC and in consideration
of their existing functions. For this purpose, the following minimum organizational structures at all
levels shall be advocated among LGUs:
1. Provincial Population and Development Office (PPDO)
The PPDO shall basically serve as the main planning, coordinating, policymaking and
monitoring structure for the population and development program within the entire
province, covering cities and municipalities. For its coordinative function, it is recommended
that the basic functions of planning, data and information management, communication and
promotion, and field operations and capacity building shall be covered by needed staff
complement.
Figure 2. Proposed organizational structure of Provincial POPDEV Office
The specific functions of the PPDO and its component sections including the qualifications
are provided in ANNEX C-2 and ANNEX C-2A.
2. City Population and Development Office (CPDO)
The CPDO will basically serve as the main planning, coordinating, policymaking and
monitoring structure for the population and development program within the entire city
covering all its barangays. The proposed structure is similar to the PPDO given its relatively
broader coverage than the municipalities and higher level of resources for its hiring and
deployment of staff. As such, the following organizational structure is proposed for the CPDO:
Figure 3. Proposed organizational structure of City POPDEV Office
At the city level, the deployment of barangay population workers and volunteers (BPW/V)
are crucial to ensure the delivery of POPDEV-related services and activities at the community
level. The barangay population workers and volunteers shall be separate from the existing
barangay health workers (BHW) and barangay nutrition scholar (BNS) to focus on the
delivery of POPDEV-related services and interventions. Depending on available resources,
these may be hired or recruited and mobilized on a voluntary basis but with support for their
minimal needs for coordination and mobilization. The number of BPW/V may depend on
population to BPW/V ratio (e.g., 1 BPW/V:5,000 population) or at least one (1) BPW/V per
barangay.
The specific functions of the CPDO and its component sections including the qualifications
are provided in ANNEX C-2 and ANNEX C-2A.
3. Municipal Population and Development Office (MPDO)
The MPDO will also basically serve as the main planning, coordinating, policymaking and
monitoring structure for the population and development program within the entire
municipality covering all its barangays. The proposed structure is significantly smaller than
the city because of its available resources. As such, the proposed structure for MPDO below
shall ensure that the devolved functions of the MPDO are carried out efficiently and
effectively.
Similar to the cities, at the municipal level, the deployment of barangay population workers
and volunteers (BPW/V) are crucial to ensure the delivery of POPDEV-related services and
activities at the community level. The BPW/V may be be separate from the existing barangay
health workers (BHW) and barangay nutrition scholar (BNS) to focus on the delivery of
POPDEV-related services and interventions or to be integrated within their functions
(although not recommended). Depending on available resources, these may be hired or
recruited and mobilized on a voluntary basis but with support for their minimal needs for
coordination and mobilization. The number of BPW/V may depend on population to BPW/V
ratio (e.g., 1 BPW/V:5,000 population) or at least one (1) BPW/V per barangay.
Figure 3. Proposed organizational structure of City POPDEV Office
During the transition from 2021-2024, POPCOM may support the deployment of population workers
in LGUs particularly at the municipal level to ensure that POPDEV-related services are provided and
institutionalized.
Section V
POPCOM and LGU Capacity Development Strategy

To enable both POPCOM and the LGUs to jointly implement and devolve the identified PPDP
strategies and functions, there shall be a systematized capacity development strategy that will be
implemented through FY 2021-2022. While many of these capacity building strategies are
continuously being provided and implemented, they will be organized more efficiently into an
evidence-based capacity development strategy.
The data in ANNEX D and ANNEX E provide the capacity building strategies for POPCOM and LGUs,
respectively. The specific types of skills to be developed at the national, regional and local levels
include the following:
A. Types of Training/Capacity Building
1. Core technical skills:
1.1. Demographic concepts and measures;

1.2. Basic and advance concepts and strategies on RPFP, AHD, and POPDEV integration;
1.3. Population and development integration;
1.4. Interpreting and communicating population data;
1.5. Results-based program management;
1.6. Monitoring and evaluation;
1.7. Partnership and networking;
1.8. Leadership and management skills (for supervisors);
1.9. Technical writing;
1.10. Data appreciation, management and analysis;
1.11. Group facilitation and public speaking;
1.11.1. Public speaking
1.11.2. Media relations
2. More specialized technical skills:
2.1. POPDEV Strategies
2.1.1. Population and development integration in policy, planning and program

development (at the sectoral and local level)
2.1.2. Local development planning process
2.1.3. Government budgeting process (e.g., program convergence budgeting)
2.1.4. Resource generation and mobilization
2.1.5. Advance training on demographic dividend concepts and tools
2.1.6. Training on POPDEV-related programs or softwares (e.g., SPECTRUM,
DemDiv, etc.)
2.1.7. Operations research and impact evaluation and assessment
2.1.8. Design and conduct of feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis
2.1.9. Research and development concepts and techniques/methodologies
2.1.10. Policy research, development, monitoring and evaluation
2.1.11. Local policy and legislative process
2.1.12. Demographic and socioeconomic profiling (national and local)
2.1.13. Advance training on demographic dividend concepts and tools
2.1.14. POPDEV-related programs or softwares (e.g., SPECTRUM, DemDiv, etc.)
2.1.15. Establishment and operationalization of the Registry of Barangay
Inhabitants and Migrants (RBIM)
2.2. RPFP Strategies

2.2.1. Data quality check (for FP)
2.2.2. RPFP demand generation strategies and activities
2.2.3. FP Supply Chain Management
2.2.3.1. Advance training on supply chain management/logistics
management
2.2.3.2. Forecasting of family planning methods (e.g., FamPlan software)
2.2.4. FP Competency-Based Training I and II
2.2.5. Updates on family planning
2.3. Design and management of capacity building programs

2.3.1. Advance course on group facilitation and training management
2.3.2. Design, conduct and assessment of capacity development activities and
programs
2.3.3. Development, design and management of e-learning platforms
2.3.4. Advance course on program management and coordination
2.4. Design of communication and promotional strategies and knowledge

management
2.4.1. Advance training on communicating population data
2.4.2. IEC material development including use of graphic softwares (e.g.,
InDesign, Photoshop, photo and video editing, etc.,)
2.4.3. Audio visual presentation production and editing
2.4.4. Advance concepts and skills on knowledge management
Development of Competency Framework. These types of training and capacity building shall
be developed into a coherent and comprehensive program based on an established competency
framework for staff both at the national and subnational levels. The competency framework
shall include definitions of specific competencies in a competency table and competency profile
for each position. The competency tables shall be used for the design and conduct of competency
assessment to be encoded into a database for the design of specific training program. The listed
types of training shall be aligned with the identified or defined competencies to construct the
organizational and structure learning and development program. For this purpose, a
competency assessment shall be undertaken.
Enhancement of Steering and Directing Functions of POPCOM. The learning and

development or capacity strategic program for staff in POPCOM Central Office and Regional
Offices shall aim to build the collective and individual capacities of POPCOM to perform its main
task of steering, coordinating, and directing the PPDP strategies to attain its overall goals and
objectives.
Establishment and Operationalization of POPDEV Learning Network. For the capacity

building strategy of POPCOM for its staff and the LGUs, a POPDEV Learning Network shall be set-
up to serve as the main academy or sources of continuing training, materials/references,
directory of consultants and resource persons, and available POPDEV-related training, among
others. It will also include an e-learning platform which can be accessed by workers and
individuals who are interested for a self-paced training. This will be promoted to LGUs as a
continuing mechanism to improve their organizational and individual skills on POPDEV-related
concerns.
B. Capacity Building Strategy for LGUs
For LGUs, the following basic capacity building strategies shall be implemented to enable LGUs in
effective devolution and localization of relevant POPDEV, AHD and RPFP strategies and activities:
1. Development of manuals, tools and references. Documented or published manuals,

templates, tools and references for all the POPDEV, RPFP and AHD relevant services and
strategies shall be developed, distributed to all LGUs and made available through online
portal as part of the POPCOM POPDEV Learning Network.
2. Conduct of continuing capacity building and learning strategies and sessions. POPCOM
Central Office and Regional Offices shall continue to offer and provide training and capacity
building to local population officers and workers and other implementing partners including
those at the national and regional levels. Various training shall be programmed into phases
to be more responsive to the current level of skills of the participants – from basic to more
advanced training. Basic training shall be provided to build core competencies while
advanced training will be provided to stakeholders toward the mastery of the subject matters
and involved skills. For a more comprehensive and responsive capability building strategy
and program for the LGUs, a competency assessment shall be undertaken to determine the
gaps in the current competencies of the local population workers.
A certification program will be organized to expand the pool of trainers or those who will be
able to advance to higher level of learning. The certified trainers shall be mobilized in the
conduct of roll-out trainings and relevant technical assistance especially to the LGUs.
The e-learning platforms for POPDEV-related strategies shall also be established and
maintained to continuously provide a platform for individuals to access needed training in
the absence of organized capacity building activities.
3. Engagement/exposure of LGUs in knowledge or experience sharing with other model

LGUs or those with good practices. Local implementing partners shall also be exposed to
various platforms of organized knowledge exchange or sharing of good practices between
and among other LGUs, national agencies and other relevant institutions. Local population
officers, workers and stakeholders shall also be encouraged and mobilized to attend and
participate in regionally, nationally and internationally organized conferences, training,
symposiums, fora and courses on POPDEV, RPFP and AHD to continuously update their
knowledge and skills on relevant topics.
4. Continuing provision of technical assistance through coaching and mentoring on the

establishment on POPDEV, RPFP and AHD program and strategies. POPCOM shall
continue to provide quality, timely, reliable technical assistance and inputs to LGUs. This will
be pursued through coaching and mentoring within the context of partnership and
collaboration. Such technical assistance shall be provided at all levels as needed. As part of
the POPCOM POPDEV Learning Network, a helpline for those needed technical assistance
shall be instituted and developed for timely provision of needed inputs.
Coaching and mentoring shall also be provided particularly for the leaders of population and
development program at the local level. This shall be aligned with the coaching strategies
under the current Bridging Leadership for PPDP of POPCOM.
5. Regular monitoring and evaluation of local competencies. To continuously determine

the emerging gaps and issues on the capacity of the LGUs to deliver the devolved POPDEV
strategies and programs, monitoring and evaluation activities shall be regularly conducted.
Gaps and issues on competencies shall be discussed during monitoring activities to determine
appropriate interventions.
These capacity building strategies shall focus in LGUs with existing local population and development
offices which are now more prepared for strengthened localization of PPDP strategies. Training and
capacity building interventions will, however, be made available to LGUs who are already requesting
such intervention especially those belonging to 5th and 6th class municipalities. By the end of 2024, it
is hoped that about more than 80 percent of the LGUs have been provided with at least one priority
POPDEV-related training and capacity building.
Section VI
Performance Monitoring and Assessment Framework

The overall framework for ensuring and measuring the level of devolution of POPDEV-related
strategies and functions is provided in ANNEX F, which provides for the performance monitoring and
assessment framework. Basically, this performance framework shall be integrated in the Results and
M&E framework of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-PoA) for 2022-
2028.
Based on this results framework, POPCOM shall undertake the following strategies to efficiently
monitor and assess both the capabilities and performance of POPCOM in performing its retained or
steering functions and of LGUs in implementing its devolved functions and strategies:
1. Enhancement and implementation of shared results framework. The PPDP

results framework shall serve as the main monitoring and evaluation framework for the
assessment of the implementation of this POPCOM DTP. Such result framework will also
guide the target-setting as well as the monitoring activities at the local level.
2. Enhancement of PPDP Monitoring and Evaluation mechanisms. POPCOM shall

endeavor to develop a more efficient and shareable M&E and reporting mechanism between
POPCOM and LGUs. It will pursue the automation of this M&E information system to align
performance at the national and local government levels. For this purpose, it will review its
existing M&E tools and processes.
3. Continuing consultation and learning sessions with LGUs. POPCOM shall maintain
close collaboration with LGUs through constant dialogue and consultations to generate
insights and learning in the process of devolution. This aims to generate inputs and design of
appropriate interventions for continual improvement of POPDEV strategies at the national
and local levels. In line with this, POPCOM will mobilize its existing coordinative bodies such
as the regional population and development committees and task forces to serve as the venue
for the planning, coordination and monitoring of POPDEV-related strategies at specific levels.
4. Documentation of good processes and practices. To build models for efficient and
effective devolution of POPDEV-related strategies and functions, POPCOM shall consciously
pursue the documentation of good practices and processes. It will also capacitate LGUs for
this purpose.
5. Incentive and rewards mechanisms. POPCOM shall continue to build enabling

environment for LGUs to own and implement the strategies under the POPDEV program.
Strategies for this shall include the development and implementation of incentive and
rewards mechanisms such as the Kaunlarang Pantao Award (KPA) which recognizes LGUs
and institutions including CSOs that provided significant contributions in advancing the
population and development agenda in their respective levels.
Section VII
POPCOM Organizational Effectiveness Proposal
Information in ANNEX G1-G4 provides for the proposed changes and modifications in POPCOM’s
current organizational structure at the national and regional levels based on its functions specified
in ANNEX A.
A. Modifications in the organizational structure of POPCOM Central Office
1. For Abolition. With the continuing relevance of population issues and the broadening
mandate through several policies mentioned in this Plan, POPCOM needs to strengthen and
broaden its organizational capacity to effectively pursue such mandates and program
directives. As such, there will be no offices or units POPCOM both at the Central Office and
Regional Offices to be abolished, instead, it shall seek organizational expansion because of its
currently and substantially limited personnel.
2. For Merger and/or Consolidation. To strengthen its capacity to support the LGUs and
national partners agencies in gathering and utilizing POPDEV data and information, the
existing Policy Analysis and Development Division (PADD) shall be renamed and reorganized
into Policy and Data Management Division (PDMD). For this, all the functions of PADD
related to policy analysis and development shall be assumed and consolidated into the
function of the current Policy Development and Advocacy Section (PDAS) and the existing
Policy Research and Monitoring Section (PRMS) shall be renamed into Research and Data
Management Section (RDMS).
The RDMS of PADD shall perform the design, conduct, analysis and utilization of researches,
studies and databases on population and development to support and inform activities on
planning, policymaking and program development at the national, regional and local levels.
It shall also take the lead in developing materials, tools, and capacity building programs in
strengthening regional and local capacities on managing and utilizing POPDEV data and
information.
3. For Transfer. To support the RDMS of PADD, the current Data Management Officer from
Information Technology and Data Management Unit (ITDMU) shall be transferred to such
Section. Consequently, the ITDMU be renamed as Information Technology Services Section
(ITSS) to focus on the provision of IT support and development and maintenance of
information systems. The ITSS shall be subsequently transferred to the Administrative
Division.
4. For Creation. In view of its steering, coordinative and capability building functions in the
devolution process, a Capability Building and Field Operations Division (CBFOD) will be
created. As POPCOM assumes the continuing role of assisting LGUs and national/regional
institutions in building their capacities to plan, implement and assess population
management strategies and to ensure the provision of various technical assistance to local
institutions to ensure alignment to regional and national population and development goals,
this Division in necessary.
Moreover, specifically within the transition period, there is a need to augment the delivery of
the RPFP services especially in municipalities in the country in line the devolution principle
of enhancing local autonomy through augmentation support to LGUs from national or higher
level of government. For this, there is a need to institutionalize a structure that will manage
the organization and mobilization of RPFP Itinerant Team as well as for the effective supply
chain management for FP supplies.
There will be two sections under the Division, namely, the Capacity Building Section and the
Support to Field Operations Section. Their functions will be as follows:
4.1. For Capacity Building Section (CBS):
4.1.1. Identify and assess capacity building needs and skills development among
program planners and implementers at the national, regional and local levels
on population and development strategies;
4.1.2. Develop effective tools, materials, standards and training designs and
programs;
4.1.3. Develop and implement accessible mechanisms for continuing capacity
building;
4.1.3.1. Manage and continuously enhance the POPDEV Learning Network
4.1.4. Conduct and provide technical assistance in the capacity building among
regional and local population officers on population and development;
4.1.5. Assess and continually improve capacity building mechanisms on
population and development.
4.2. For Support to Field Operations Section (SFOS)
4.2.1. Augment the delivery of family planning services at the local level
particularly for long-acting and permanent methods with emphasis on the
4th to 6th class municipalities and in geographically isolated and
disadvantaged (GIDA) areas;
4.2.2. Provide competency-based family planning training among population and
health service providers and in setting-up regional and local itinerant teams;
4.2.3. Ensure updating of skills among health service providers at the local level
and maintain approved standards in the delivery of FP services;
4.2.4. Address emerging concerns in the delivery of FP services at all levels;
4.2.5. Co-management of FP stand-alone clinic with accredited CSO and DOH
located at National Capital Region (NCR) to provide augmentation support
in the delivery of FP services in all accessible areas;
4.2.6. Ensure the availability of FP supplies and commodities particularly at the
facility level through efficient supply chain management which include
forecasting, warehousing and timely distribution of commodities and
setting-up of database, in close collaboration with DOH;
4.2.7. Track levels of FP supply in health facilities and ensure timely augmentation
of needed FP supplies and commodities; and
4.2.8. Consolidate and coordinate timely interventions to emerging regional
operations concerns.
All the staff for this new Division, which shall be headed by a Division Chief
(Development Management Officer V), shall be created.
B. Modifications in the organizational structure of POPCOM Regional Offices
Being at the frontline of capacitating and enabling LGUs to strengthen the devolution of POPDEV-
related programs and strategies, POPCOM Regional Offices shall also be strengthened through the
following changes in its organizational structure:
1. For Creation. A Field Operations Section (FOS) in the POPCOM Regional Offices is
necessary to strengthen the implementation of the National Program on Population and
Family Planning (NPPFP) as provided for in Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2019-01,
“Policy Guidelines for the Intensified Implementation of the National Program on Family
Planning towards Better Health Outcomes, Poverty Reduction and Socioeconomic
Development” through the support and augmentation of FP services especially in GIDAs or
island areas which cannot be reached by local FP services.
As provided in the JMC 2019-01, the Department of Health (DOH) and POPCOM shall
endeavor to work together in the delivery of a full range of family planning services.
Accordingly, POPCOM shall provide support through delivery of family planning services by
an itinerant team and in the supply chain management for FP commodities. Specifically, the
function of the Field Operations Section includes:
1.1. Augment the delivery of family planning services at the local level particularly for
long-acting and permanent methods with emphasis on the 4th to 6th class
municipalities and in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas;
1.2. Provide competency-based family planning training among population and health
service providers and in setting-up regional and local itinerant teams;
1.3. Address emerging concerns in the delivery of FP services at all levels;
1.4. Co-management of FP stand-alone clinic with accredited CSO and DOH to provide
augmentation support in the delivery of FP services;
1.5. Ensure the availability of FP supplies and commodities particularly at the facility level
through efficient supply chain management which include forecasting, warehousing
and timely distribution of commodities, in close collaboration with DOH;
1.6. Track levels of FP supply in health facilities and ensure timely augmentation of
needed FP supplies and commodities;
1.7. Consolidate and coordinate timely interventions to emerging local operations
concerns.
This Section shall be headed by a Physician trained on family planning services and to be
supported by a nurse, community development officer and a pharmacist (who will
management the supply chain management for FP).
In addition, a Research, Data Management and Monitoring Unit (RDMMU) under the
Technical Services Section shall be created with additional staff of a Statistician II and the
current Project Evaluation Officer I. An important function to be retained to POPCOM at the
national and regional level is the setting-up, processing and monitoring and consolidation of
local initiatives to ensure their effectiveness and alignment to regional population and
development goals and objectives. As such, there is a need for a unit that establishes,
consolidates, processes, and packages data in relation to the input, output, outcome and
impact indicators to provide timely information in the planning, policy-making and continual
improvement of population and development strategies at the regional and local levels. The
RDMMU will provide continuing technical assistance to local government units in setting-up
effective database systems, data analysis and utilization of population and development data
in planning, policymaking and enhancement of various relevant interventions.
C. Modifications in the Staffing Complement
1. For Reclassification and Creation
1.1. Creation of Additional DED and Upgrading of its Salary Grade to SG 28.
Given the emerging mandates of POPCOM and the need to cover more LGUs towards
full devolution, there is a need to rationalize the functions of the top management
particularly the Deputy Executive Director (DED) to focus on specific technical and
administrative operations. Currently, there is only one DED which is in charge of both
the technical and administrative operations. Hence, with the overwhelming
operational concerns for both aspects of the program, there is a need to create another
position of DED who will focus on administrative operations (i.e., DED for
Administrative Operations) with the current DED focusing on the technical and
program operations (DED for Technical and Program Operations).
Moreover, the current DED has a plantilla position of Director III with Salary Grade (SG)
27. Given the upgrading of the position of Executive Director from SG 28 (Director IV)
to SG 30 (Director V) by virtue of the Executive Order No. 71 series of 2018, the
difference in salaries between the two positions has widened. Thus, the need to
upgrade the position of the current Director III to Director IV (i.e., upgrading of position
to at least one salary grade higher - from SG 27 to SG 28).
1.2. Upgrading of Salary Grade of Regional Directors. Given the increasing roles of
Regional Offices in the full devolution, the salary grade for Regional Directors is also to
be upgraded from Salary Grade 25 to Salary Grade 26. This is also to make them a bit
at par with their counterpart in other agencies to make their coordination more
authoritative and effective.
2. Transfer of ITSS Staff to Administrative Division. As a result of the transfer of the ITSS
to the Administrative Division, all its staff, except for the Data Management Officer who will
transferred to RDMS of PADD, shall be transferred to Administrative Division.
3. Creation of Other Staff in POPCOM MIMAROPA. The Department of Budget and

Management (DBM, in its letter dated February 3, 2020, approved the request of the POPCOM
for the creation of Regional Population Office No. IV-B (MIMAROPA). There were eight (8)
positions initially approved. At present, the staffing complement of the other fifteen (15)
POPCOM Regional Offices comprises 15 positions. Hence, POPCOM is seeking the approval for
seven (7) additional positions to complete the staffing pattern of POPCOM MIMAROPA based on
the present set up. These specifically include:
3.1. Development Management Officer III, SG-18

3.2. Administrative Officer V, SG-18
3.3. Administrative Officer II (Budget Officer I)
3.4. Administrative Officer I (Supply Officer I)
3.5. Administrative Assistant II (HRMA)
3.6. Administrative Assistant II (HRMA)
3.7. Administrative Assistant II Aide VI (Disbursing Officer I)
For the 165 positions to be created at the Central and Regional Offices, a total of Php 99,315,794.41
will be needed. Other specific information on the proposed changes in the organizational structure
of POPCOM can be found in ANNEX G1, G2, G3 and G4.

FINAL POPCOM Devolution Transition Plan Write Up

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FINAL POPCOM Devolution Transition Plan Write Up

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Republic of the Philippines

National Economic and Development Authority

COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT

DEVOLUTION TRANSITION PLAN

Section II. Strategic Direction 4

B. The POPDEV Strategic Direction 7

Section III. Assignment of POPDEV Functions and Services 13

A. Delineation of Functions and Services 13

2. Devolved POPDEV Functions and Services 24

B. Implementation Strategy and Phasing of Devolution 34

Section IV. Program and Service Delivery Standards 37

Section V. POPCOM and LGU Capacity Development Strategy 43

Section VI. Performance Monitoring and Assessment Framework 47

Section VII. POPCOM Organizational Effectiveness Proposal 48

Population and Development

Source: Various Population Censuses, PSA

POPDEV and Devolution

1 POPCOM Localization Guidelines

1. To employ or authorize the employment by participating agencies in the national family

2. To undertake such action projects as may be necessary to promote the attainment of PD 79

Instructions on Family Planning and Responsible Parenthood among Would-be-Couples

Managing internal migration

More recent national policies

8. Presidential Directives No. 2021-014. These Presidential Directives tasked POPCOM,

B. The Population and Development Strategic Direction

c. Well-managed and interdependent urban and rural development – this includes

d. Inclusive development of marginalized segment of population – this aims to put into

1. Clearly defined collaborative framework and arrangements between national/regional

2. Capacity building and provision of technical assistance. POPCOM will continuously

4. National and regional communication and promotional activities. Promotions and

7. Augmentation to service delivery. POPCOM shall also provide augmentation support to

A. Delineation of Functions and Services

1.1. POPDEV Services and Program

1.1.1. Establishment of national and regional POPDEV database and

Design, conduct, analysis and dissemination of POPDEV-related

The conduct of POPDEV researches can, however, be independently

Provision of capacity building and technical assistance to national and

Furthermore, POPCOM, as member of the TWG of the Balik Probinsya, Balik

1.1.2. Formulation of national and regional POPDEV-related policies. The

To build the capacity of the LGUs to develop and implement POPDEV-related

1.1.3. Formulation, coordination and implementation of national and regional

1.1.6. Capacity-building and provision of technical assistance on POPDEV

1.1.6.1. Basic demographic and development concepts and measures;

1.2. Responsible Parenthood and Family Planning Program/Services

1.2.1. Establishment of RPFP database and information system and provision

1.2.2. Formulation of plan, strategies and investment program for RPFP

1.2.3. Demand generation and promotion of RPFP program. PD 79 mandates

1.2.3.1. Development of a national communication plan and strategy that

1.2.3.2. Development and dissemination of templates, prototypes and

1.2.3.3. Conduct of national campaigns and events to drumbeat and

Provision of financial assistance to 5th to 6th class municipalities and

Under the implementing guidelines for PMOC (JMC), POPCOM is tasked to

1.2.5. Capacity-building and provision of technical assistance on RPFP

1.2.5.1. Demand generation. This includes skills in planning, designing

1.2.5.2. Family Planning Competency-based Training. With the

1.2.5.3. FP Supply Chain Management. This includes skills in managing

1.2.6. FP supply chain management. Under the co-management scheme with

Technical assistance to LGUs shall also be provided in the forecasting and