CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region 7, formerly known as the Population Commission (POPCOM), held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new office building at the Department of Agriculture (DA) Compound in Cebu City on Sept. 12.
The two-storey building is designed to better serve the increasing number of individuals seeking assistance and will provide a dedicated space for CPD Region 7’s operations.
CPD-7 regional director Atty. Bruce Ragas expressed his gratitude to Gov. Gwen Garcia and the provincial government of Cebu for granting them the opportunity to use a portion of the DA Compound.
The lot, spanning over 1,000 square meters, was made available through a usufruct contract for a duration of 25 years.
Ragas also emphasized that the new building marks a significant step in CPD’s rebranding.
“This is also historic and momentous for this year, because the CPD has taken a bold step of rebranding itself. Previously, we were known as POPCOM but now we would like to declare ourselves to be known as CPD. In line with Executive Order No. 71 series of 2018 making us known as CPD and to be attached to the National Economic Development Authority as our mother agency,” said Ragas.
The agency, which previously focused on promoting family planning through condoms, pills, and responsible parenthood, has now expanded its mandate to promote the broader agenda of Philippine Population and Development.
Vice Gov. Hilario Davide III, who represented Garcia, and led the rope-cutting during the capsule-laying ceremony, reaffirmed the provincial government of Cebu’s full support for CPD’s initiatives.
He expressed hope that the new office will streamline population-related programs and enhance services to the public.
“After this construction, this will really enhance your operations. Please be assured that the Provincial Government is behind you and will support you with your population-related programs,” said Davide.
The new CPD office building, in collaboration with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Cebu City District Engineering Office, has a contract amount of ₱29,400,000 and a contract duration of 210 calendar days.
This development is seen as a crucial milestone in ensuring better public service delivery, especially concerning population management and development programs. (MYP/PIA7 Cebu)
