Curbing population growth

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor PATRICK PANGILINAN Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The National Statistics Office in Negros Oriental reported that the annual growth rate in the province slowed down by 0.71 percent for the period 2000 to 2010 compared to the previous population census.

The annual population growth rate of the province for the ten-year period is pegged at 1.31 percent. This is lower from the 2.02 percent annual growth rate recorded by NSO in the province.

As of May 2010, there were 1,286,666 persons living in Negros Oriental, which is higher by 156,578 persons in 2000 with 1.13 million inhabitants.

The historical growth rate of the population of the province shows an erratic trend since 1903. The years between 1903 and 1939 showed an almost even growth. Then in the years 1939 to 1948, it dropped from 2.12 percent to 1.59 percent. This was during the war years. In 1960, growth rate shot up to 2.8 percent, the highest in 100 years but it decline to 1.94 percent in 1970. In 1995, the population growth rate rose to 2.07 percent and declined to 1.89 percent in 2000.

This population count is the source of information on the size and distribution of the population, as well as information about the demographic, social, and economic characteristics of our province. Government statistics released on a regular basis indicates growth and health of our country.

We agree with the NSO that the 2010 census is important for making rational plans and programs towards national and local development.

We also agree that the lag in the growth rate may be attributed to migration or the increased awareness on family planning that may have helped curb the population growth.*