The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) commended Lanao del Norte for its effective population management, which has contributed to improved reproductive health services. In a statement Friday, CPD-Northern Mindanao Assistant Director Richmond Charles Gahudo highlighted the province's manageable population growth, which has facilitated better access to health services. CPD data show Lanao del Norte's annual population growth rate at 1.41 percent and its fertility rate at 1.53 percent. 'These figures reflect the strength of our health and population programs and our commitment to empowering over 161,000 households and 181,000 women of reproductive age in Lanao del Norte,' Gahudo said. He also emphasized the broader impact of family planning in the province. 'These are not merely contraceptives; they are family planning commodities with profound implications for family development,' he said. Source: Philippines News Agency