Manila: The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has awarded the Philippine News Agency (PNA) the Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA) in recognition of its significant contributions to reporting on population and development programs. This accolade acknowledges the pivotal role PNA has played in disseminating information about the CPD's initiatives to the public. According to Philippines News Agency, CPD Executive Director Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales emphasized the importance of media in enhancing public understanding of population development. During the award ceremony held at the Sequoia Hotel Manila Bay in Parañaque City, Bersales underscored the necessity of raising awareness about the emerging issues and interconnectedness of population and development. She highlighted the need for intensified campaigns and policies to address these challenges. Bersales pointed out that healthy, resilient, and economically productive workers are essential for seizing the nation's "demograp hic window of opportunity." She noted the abundance of demographic opportunities that need to be leveraged to ensure socioeconomic progress for the country's citizens. In addition to media partners, this year's CPD awardees include national government partners and institutions such as the departments of Education, Social Welfare and Development, Interior and Local Government, Health, and the Philippine Statistics Authority. The RMSKPA also honors local government units, local chief executives, individuals, and institutions for their contributions to advancing the population and development agenda. The award aims to bolster support and participation among government and private sector stakeholders in implementing the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action 2023-2028. It commemorates Rafael M. Salas, the first Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund, and coincides with Population and Development Week, which was established by Executive Order 76 to raise awareness of population an d development issues.