PHILIPPINE POPULATION IN FOCUS:

MYTHS AND CHALLENGES

On going Discussion: Reactions from

Different Sectors: The Religious
Perspective
 Opening
Religion is involved in the discussion
on population and development

The Philippine scene

Reactions
 Roman Catholic
o no relation between population growth rates and
economic condition
oPopulation development is “anti –life” &
“abortionist”
oArtificial contraception is “intrinsically evil”
oProcreative and unitive purposes of marriage
inseparable

But… Philippine Roman Catholicism – divided over

popdev issues
- different from
other RC countries
oAteneo vs UST
oFreedom of conscience vs dogma – Humanae
Vitae not infallible

Protestant
oMan –free, thinking, volitional being
oProcreative and unitive purposes of marriage
could be separate
oPopulation growth rates and economic
development interrelated
oRH methods that are legal, safe and moral are
acceptable – natural or artificial
oHuman welfare and the family are paramount
 Iglesia ni Cristo

oUpholds balance between pop & development

as faithful stewardship
oResponsible parenthood includes control of
family size to insure quality of life
oFavors informed & free RH choice
oContraception (artificial or natural)
oSound family planning program promotes justice
and well-being
 Islam

oFamily – basic social unit – requires responsible

parenthood and health
oKoran teaches birth spacing – at least 2 years
interval
oFP and RH programs should be non- coercive,
responsible and informed
oSafe and legal methods of FP are acceptable
 Conclusion
Growing positive, FBO efforts at promoting
human welfare & popdev

Cairo declaration by Arab States religious leaders

(December 2004) in response to the HIV/AIDS
epidemic
Tripoli Declaration of Arab States Women religious
leaders supporting the Cairo Declaration (May
2006)
Local FBO efforts at interfaith cooperation - April
2-3, 2009 – nationwide includes ethnic spirituality
based groups
-October 27-28,2010-Mindanao
Crafting a consensus bill- by Management Ass’n
of the Phil, Makati Business Club, Bishop -
Businessmen’s Conference, and PCPD
•Sensitivity to the poor

•Going beyond population issues to poverty,

population & development

•Concern for all Filipinos not just Roman

Catholics
“Insofar as a religion serves the virtues of humanity,
insofar as its teachings on faith and morals, its rites
and institutions support human beings in their
human identity and allows them to gain a meaningful
and fruitful existence , it is a true and good
religion…insofar as it hinders human beings in their
identity, meaningfulness, and valuableness..and fails
to achieve a meaningful and fruitful existence, it is
false and bad religion.”
- Hans Kung, famous Roman
Catholic theologian
 Presented by:

Bishop Rodrigo D. Tano

Chairperson – Interfaith Partnership
For the Promotion of Responsible
Parenthood, Inc.