The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region IV-A convened its Second Quarter Regional Population Executive Board (RPEB) Meeting at the PhilHealth Regional Office IV-B Conference Room in Batangas City, June 10, 2025.
Ms. Kate Angeline S. Hernando, In-Charge of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, and Ms. Janeal Krayjn Rebutazo, Extension Coordinator of the Gender and Development Resource Center (GADRC) attended the said event which gathered representatives from regional line agencies, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and development partners to assess progress, align strategies, and reinforce collaborative efforts in the region’s population and development agenda.
In his opening remarks, Atty. Jerry F. Ibay, Regional Vice President of PhilHealth IV-B and Batangas, welcomed the participants and commended the strong inter-agency turnout. He also invited attendees to tour the PhilHealth IV-B office after the meeting, highlighting the host agency’s commitment to health service delivery and stakeholder engagement.
The meeting’s agenda began with updates from the First Quarter RPEB Meeting. Mr. Neil Ivan E. Quitangon, Planning Officer I of CPD-CALABARZON, reported on the status of eight key agreements. These included the formal drafting and signing of RPEB Resolution No. 2025-01, granting the National Youth Commission (NYC) special non-voting membership in the RPEB, and the successful conduct of the KATROPA Training of Trainers. Collaborative initiatives with partner SUCs such as Cavite State University (CvSU), Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU), University of the Philippines – Los Baños (UPLB), and Batangas State University (BatStateU) were also highlighted through courtesy visits, coordinative meetings, and MOU signings.
One of the key presentations came from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) IV-A and Asmae Philippines, which shared the results of their study titled “Situation of Bajau Children in Batangas City.” The study assessed the realization of rights among Sama Bajau children, using an intersectional gender lens, and proposed a framework to address protection concerns, educational access, youth empowerment, and human settlement issues.
PhilHealth IV-B’s Mr. Eugene C. Coronel also presented a comprehensive overview of the KonSulTa Package, emphasizing its application procedures, service offerings, and benefits for members. This agenda aimed to further educate RPEB members on inclusive healthcare initiatives.
Director Marlyn F. Ogaya of CPD-CALABARZON shared the outcomes of recent partnership-building efforts, including coordination meetings with DOH and DILG officials, and the formalization of collaboration through the signing of MOUs and MOAs with CvSU and other stakeholders. These initiatives are expected to enhance implementation of population programs at the regional level.
Another major highlight was the update on the 2025 Regional Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantao Award (RMSKPA). The award aims to recognize outstanding local government units (LGUs) in implementing innovative and effective population and development programs. Dr. Ma. Cynthia Rundina-Dela Cruz, Director of CvSU’s GADRC, represents the university in the RMSKPA Regional Committee. Desk reviews and field validation visits are scheduled for June 18-20, 2025.
In closing, the meeting announced that the 3rd Quarter RPEB Meeting will be facilitated by CvSU on September 4, 2025, while the 4th Quarter Meeting is tentatively set for December 5, 2025.
This gathering reaffirmed the commitment of CPD Region IV-A and its partners to promoting inclusive, data-informed, and community-centered population development initiatives across CALABARZON.
