Manila: Experts, policymakers, and advocates gathered on Thursday to highlight the crucial role of equity and sustainability in achieving inclusive and resilient development. With the theme 'Equity and Sustainability in Focus: 20 Years of Transformative PHE,' the 10th National Population, Health, and Environment (PHE) Conference celebrated two decades of advancing integrated approaches to population, health, and environmental issues-a framework that links human well-being with ecological sustainability.
According to Philippines News Agency, PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc. executive vice president and lead convener of the conference Joan Castro emphasized that the theme reflected both the progress made and the continuing challenges in building communities that are empowered, equitable, and environmentally resilient. Castro remarked on the importance of the dynamics of population, health, and environment in fostering actions among government, non-government, and civil society organizations to empower and build resilient communities.
The PHE Network, established in 2002, has long advocated for a cross-sectoral approach to addressing the interconnected issues of population growth, health inequities, and environmental degradation. The 10th conference aimed to draw fresh insights and strategies to sustain these efforts, especially in the face of climate change and social inequalities. Castro noted that the event not only revisits 20 years of successful PHE programs but also looks ahead to new challenges and innovations.
The three-day event includes plenary and parallel sessions on topics such as climate resilience, environmental sustainability, gender inclusivity, and human resource development. A special focus this year is placed on the youth, with the network working to integrate young people's perspectives and leadership into the PHE discourse. Castro highlighted the significance of youth involvement, stating that they are the torchbearers leading the way toward resilient communities and a thriving planet.
In line with this, Family Planning Organization of the Philippines Executive Director Nandy Senoc stressed the importance of empowering the youth, especially young girls, through comprehensive sexuality education. Senoc emphasized that if young people are empowered, they will know how to protect themselves against teenage pregnancies. Coron Youth Eco-Warriors member Joan Escal added that the PHE approach can be achieved through peer education, which has already provided benefits in their community. She underscored the need for peer education programs that consider culture and religion, particularly on topics such as reproductive health and the integration of salient topics on population and health.
