NEW YORK, 9 February 2005 — The United Nations Population Fund (UNPFA) has recently approved an estimated P1.4 billion ($26 million) to support reproductive health projects in the Philippines in the next five years, the Philippine Mission to the United Nations said yesterday. In his report to Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto G. Romulo, Ambassador Lauro L. Baja Jr., permanent representative to the United Nations, said the amount was approved on a no-objection basis without presentation or discussion during the recent UNPFA Executive Board meeting in New York. The $26-million the UNPFA approved for the Philippines will support reproductive health projects from 2005 to 2009. The amount will be sourced from regular resources ($20 million) and from co-financing modalities and/or other resources ($6 million). “The proposed program aims to improve the reproductive health of the people through better population management and sustainable human development,” Ambassador Baja said, adding that the program will focus on reducing fertility, improving maternal health, promoting adolescent reproductive health and preventing HIV/AIDS.
