UNFPA, UP Diliman forge demographic data partnership

MANILA, Philippines — The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman have formalized a partnership aimed at strengthening the country’s use of population data as the Philippines faces major demographic changes.

UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Neus Bernabeu and UP Diliman Chancellor Edgardo Carlo L. Vistan II signed the Implementing Partner Agreement on Sept. 15 at Quezon Hall, building on the two institutions’ decades-long collaboration, particularly with the UP Population Institute (UPPI).

As part of the partnership, UPPI will work with key government agencies on population data, including efforts to improve how such information is collected, understood and used. The data will also be used to help the government anticipate demographic shifts and plan for their longer-term effects on development.

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“Demographic change is already reshaping the Philippines, and we need to better understand what these changes mean for people and for the country’s future,” Bernabeu said.

“Our partnership with UP, particularly UPPI, will help us strengthen our ability to understand these changes, learn from the data, and work with the government to plan ahead and make better decisions for the future,” she added.

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Expanding demographic expertise

The agreement will support UPPI research and analysis on the country’s demographic transitions, with the findings intended to provide evidence for policies and government decisions.

It will also support research programs, grants, academic fellowships and mentorships to develop the next generation of demographers and expand the country’s pool of expertise in population and development.

Vistan said the partnership would build on UP’s role in supporting evidence-based policymaking and nation-building.

“We are grateful to UNFPA for its support and for the opportunity to work together. We look forward to what we can achieve by bringing our expertise together, generating evidence that can inform better policies and contribute to nation-building,” Vistan said.

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Vistan also underscored the need to develop more Filipino experts in fields such as economics, statistics and demography to help the country respond to its changing population needs.

The partnership will bring together UNFPA and UP Diliman’s expertise in demographic research and analysis, with the findings intended to support government policy and planning as the country’s population continues to change. /dm