Last 10 July 2015, the Commission on Population Region 2 (PopCom RO2) celebrated the 2015 World Population Day (WPD) with the theme Dignity and Protection of Vulnerable Populations in Emergencies at Isabela Zen Hotel, Santiago City.

Two (2) papers were presented during the Forum, namely: (1) Special Needs of Persons with Disability (PWDs) in Emergencies by President Amalia Decena of the Regional Federation of PWDs; and (2) Different Hazards in Region 2 by Geosciences Division Chief Felicitas V. Piligan of Region 2 Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

The Forum was followed by the awarding ceremony for the Local Government Unit (LGU) Regional Winners for the Search for the 2014 Rafael M. Salas Population and Development Award (RMSPDA). The Regional awardees are the following: For the City Category: 1st Place – Santiago City; 2nd Place – Tuguegarao City; and 3rd Place – Cauayan City; For the Municipality Category: 1st Place -Saguday, Quirino; 2nd Place – Mahatao, Batanes; and 3rd Place – Aglipay, Quirino.

Mayor Joseph S. Tan of Santiago City and Mayor Marcelina M. Pagbilao of the Municpality of Saguday received 1st place glass plaque of recognition and £50,000.00 cash prize each. Both LGUs will represent Region 2 in the national level. The National Winners will receive a RMSPDA Seal of Excellence and a trophy as well as cash prize of £200,000.00 each for the City and Municipality levels which will be awarded sometime in October 2015.

In their acceptance speeches, both Mayors emphasized the importance of putting people at the center of their development plans, programs, and projects.

The RMSPDA is the highest population award given to LGUs that have demonstrated and implemented population and development-responsive programs, projects, and activities in their respective localities.

The event was attended by 125 participants from the regional line agencies, local government officials including population officers and disaster risk reduction and management officers, civil society organizations particularly of PWDs and senior citizens, and media practitioners.