Experts, policymakers, and advocates convened on Thursday to emphasize the vital role of equity and sustainability in achieving inclusive and resilient development during the 10th National Population, Health, and Environment (PHE) Conference.
With the theme “Equity and Sustainability in Focus: 20 Years of Transformative PHE,” the three-day event marks two decades of advancing integrated approaches linking human well-being, environmental protection, and sustainable development.
PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc. executive vice president and conference lead convener Joan Castro said the theme reflects both the progress made and the continuing challenges in building empowered, equitable, and environmentally resilient communities.
“Now more than ever, the dynamics of population, health, and environment are crucial in fostering and enabling actions among government, non-government, and civil society organizations to empower and build resilient communities,” Castro said.
Established in 2002, the PHE Network has long promoted a cross-sectoral approach to address interconnected issues of population growth, health inequities, and environmental degradation. This year’s conference sought to draw new insights and strategies to sustain these efforts amid the growing impacts of climate change and social inequalities.
Castro said the event not only revisits 20 years of successful PHE initiatives but also explores innovative solutions to emerging challenges.
“Through the best practices and initiatives, the PHE Network will also look at fresh perspectives on how persistent and new challenges to current plans and ongoing efforts can be addressed,” she added.
Plenary and parallel sessions will cover key topics such as climate resilience, gender inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and human resource development. A major highlight this year is the active engagement of the youth, whose voices and leadership are being integrated into the PHE agenda.
“PHE is our shared legacy of equity, health, and sustainability — and the youth are its torchbearers, leading the way toward resilient communities and a thriving planet,” Castro said.
Family Planning Organization of the Philippines executive director Nandy Senoc stressed the importance of empowering young people, particularly young girls, through comprehensive and science-based sexuality education.
“If they are empowered, alam nila kung paano nila protektahan ang mga sarili nila (they know how to protect themselves) against teenage pregnancies,” Senoc said.
Meanwhile, Coron Youth Eco-Warriors member Joan Escal highlighted the impact of peer education in promoting PHE awareness in communities.
“Build leaders, where capacity building must be conducted. We cannot teach what we don’t have. It is important to have peer education programs that consider culture and religion, especially when discussing reproductive health and integrating key population and health topics,” she said.
The conference underscores that sustainability and equity are not just policy goals — but essential foundations for a resilient and inclusive future.