The Southern Luzon State University (SLSU) co-hosted this year’s CALABARZON Regional Conference on Population and Development with the Commission on Population Development (CPD) CALABARZON on October 8 at the SLSU Main Campus, Lucban, Quezon.

With the theme, “Advancing Human Development Across the Life Course for A Lifetime of Returns,” researchers from the CALABARZON Region joined to impart knowledge, present innovative research findings, good practices, and policy initiatives.

In line with this, the first set of presenters led the discussions on their respective studies. The first plenary session consisted of the following presenters: CPD CALABARZON Regional Director Marilyn F. Ogaya, MADem, who discussed the CALABARZON’s Population and Development Situationer; Laguna State Polytechnic University - Research and Development Director Delon A. Ching, EdD, who presented an assessment of pre-marriage orientation and counseling; SLSU Polillo Director Ethel Q. Quesea, RN, MAN, who discussed adolescent pregnancy in Quezon Province; and, Binangonan, Rizal Municipal Population Officer Ma. Cecilia L. Salazar, RN, MAN who presented the data-driven foundation for population and development in Binangonan, Rizal.

A gallery walk featuring poster presentations was also held, showcasing the works of Cavite State University (CvSU) Public Information Office Ellaine E. Todoc on the best practices of the CvSU GAD Resource Center; Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) Antipolo alumnae, Dominique Rein S. Alfonso, Anne Lorraine SJ Froyalde, and Pia Jessica K. Agulto on the mediating factor of FOMO to social media usage and psychological well-being among Filipino Gen Zs; and, University of the Philippines - Los Baños alumna, Andrea Carol P. Fortus on healthcare access barriers among senior citizens.

During the event, Dr. Frederick T. Villa, SLSU President, highlighted the importance of the conference and the responsibility of the university in the realization of a better society.

“As a state university, Southern Luzon State University believes that education must go beyond the classroom. Our responsibility is not simply to produce graduates, but to develop people who can contribute meaningfully to society,” he stated.

Likewise, Atty. Socorro Jane D.M. Averia, Acting Municipal Administrator, representative of Hon. Augustin M. Villaverde, Mayor of Lucban, expressed the municipality’s support for the conference and its commitment to community development. Usec. Lisa Grace S. Bersales, Ph.D., CPD Executive Director V, acknowledged both statements and called on the agencies to unite as the Philippines move towards the realization of Ambisyon Natin 2040.

Meanwhile, four more parallel sessions were held in the afternoon before the closing ceremonies.