The country’s population leaders are converging in Iloilo as the province hosts the 2025 National Population Convention on October 7 to 10 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel.
Spearheaded by the Association of Population Officers of the Province of Iloilo (APOPI, Inc.) in partnership with the Federation of League of Population Officers and Workers of the Philippines (FLEPOWPHIL), the gathering highlights the theme “Local Actions Driving National Population Goals: The Iloilo Experience.”
Thousands of delegates and population champions nationwide are expected to participate, with guest speakers including Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. and Iloilo National High School Principal Dr. Delorah, Cecilia Fantillo, among others.
At the heart of the convention is Iloilo’s pioneering work in population and development (PopDev), particularly its programs on family and youth empowerment.
A major highlight is the showcase of the Balay MINERVA Teen Center at Iloilo National High School—the biggest facility built under the Teen Center 2.0 program of the Provincial Population Office.
Iloilo holds the distinction of having the highest number of teen centers nationwide, with 102 operating across its 42 municipalities and one component city.
The provincial government is also establishing Family and Youth Development Centers (FYDCs) to expand services at the community level.
Recognized as a consistent trailblazer in PopDev initiatives, Iloilo is a Top 5 finalist in the 2025 Rafael M. Salas Kaunlarang Pantawo Awards, which honors outstanding local governments advancing population and development. The province will represent Western Visayas in the national tilt.IMT
