World Population Day, a United Nations (UN) observance that focuses on population issues, which includes matters pertaining to family planning and poverty, is marked every July 11.

Last year, the theme was “Family Planning: Empowering People, Developing Nations.” 2018 carries a similar message, with the theme, “Family Planning is a Human Right.”

According to the UN, as part of their recognition of family planning as human rights, family planning services must be available and accessible to the public.

Among their “nine standards,” the international organization notes, “Contraceptive services and information must be provided.”

A Commission on Population report from earlier this year projected the population of the Philippines to exceed 107 million by the end of 2018./WDJ