Duterte renames population commission, returns its control to Neda

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte renamed the Commission on Population (POPCOM) as Commission on Population and Development (CPD), and returned its supervision under the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda).

Duterte signed Executive Order No. 71 on December 13, but the copy of the directive was only released to the media on Friday.

POPCOM was previously attached to the Department of Health (DOH).

“In order to strengthen the development and implementation by the POPCOM of population-related plans, policies, programs and projects in the pursuit of socio-economic development reforms and programs,” the President said “there is a need to enhance its coordination with Neda.”

“The budget necessary for the implementation of this Order shall be sourced from available funds of the CP for FY 2018. For the succeeding years, the funding requirements of the CPD shall be included in its budget proposal which shall be submitted to the DBM, subject to budgetary process,” Duterte also said. /kga