‘100-M populace not burden, but blessing’

MANILA, Philippines - Party-list Rep. Lito Atienza said the 100-million population the country is expected to reach this year is not a burden but a blessing that could be key to economic progress.

Atienza reiterated his stand on the sacredness of human life and family amid efforts by the Aquino administration to press for the implementation of the Reproductive Health (RH) Law, which was indefinitely stopped by the Supreme Court last year.

“Our greatest treasure is our family and our children. Let us not be misled into believing that our country’s population is to be blamed for everything that goes wrong. If cared for, guided and made productive, our people will always be our country’s greatest asset,” Atienza said in a speech before the Philippines for Life, National Leaders Consultative Meeting in Cagayan de Oro City.

He said the country has been blessed with abundant natural resources, which are enough to provide for everyone’s needs. The problem lies in their distribution and utilization, as they are either abused or misused for selfish interests, he said.

“In a few years, the Philippines will reach a population of 100 million. Some see this as a bane to society as there will be more mouths to feed and they believe that there will also be a proliferation of poverty. We see it differently. Having 100 million Filipinos is our way to economic progress,” he added.

The lawmaker also cited the case of China, Singapore and European nations that are grappling with negative birth rates and are doing everything to get their people to have more children.

“We do not have that problem. In fact, our growing number is our number one resource. The economy is moving not because of government but of the Filipino consumers. With the number of Filipinos reaching 100 million, our country is being blessed even more. Everything was given to us by God, what we need is a good leadership to manage our country,” he said.