Mothers undergo Population and Development seminar
By Alpine L. Killa

Bontoc, Mountain Province – Some 50 mothers and teachers of Bontoc Ili and Ut-utan Primary Schools attended the Population and Development Education Seminar on October 27, 2015 here.
Prior to this, the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Bontoc Ili Primary School in their meeting discussed the issues and concerns on proper upbringing and education of their children so that they grow up to be upright, productive and civic minded citizens. It was decided that a seminar on responsible parenthood be conducted for the members, but the association is in need of fund.
With this, PTA Bontoc Ili Primary School President Maria P. Codeo made a request to Governor Leonard G. Mayaen for the provincial government to allocate fund for the seminar to be spearheaded by the Provincial Population Office in partnership with the PTA of Bontoc Ili Primary School. Recognizing the importance of the activity to the mothers, the governor approved the request.
Provincial Population Officer Shirley Chiyawan said that the activity aims to make married young adults aware of their basic responsibilities as parents, awakening in them a sense of responsibility and commitment towards their family, neighbours and community. She added that this shall empower the participants to consider responsible parenting as a way of life towards the attainment of sustainable human development and encourage them to use family planning method, apply healthy lifestyle and be stewards of the environment. Also, it shall develop participants into a more culturally and socially aware individuals and responsible citizens. Chiyawan also discussed the Population Situation in the Philippines.
Tomasa O. Sangayab lectured on raising culturally aware kids and effective parenting. She stressed the importance of dining together as a family as it is an opportunity for all the family members to communicate and share their ideas, experiences and concerns.
Dr. Imelda A. Sabog of the Bontoc General Hospital and coordinator of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society (POGS) – Mountain Province Chapter discussed the Family Planning Method.
Marites Agageo of the Provincial Population Office lectured on Maintaining Safety at Home and Healthy Lifestyle, and Faith Pec-ao of the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian lectured on Climate Change for Home Makers.