The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, in partnership with the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region XII, the Office of the Provincial Population Officer (OPPO), and the Municipal Local Government Unit of Tboli, commemorated the 11th birthday of Joylyn Gandulan Atam, South Cotabato’s 100 millionth symbolic baby.
Joylyn, fondly known as “Mia,” was born at 1:30 AM on July 27, 2014, at the South Cotabato Provincial Hospital. She was among the symbolic babies born in government hospitals nationwide when the Philippines officially reached a population of 100 million. Currently, she is a Grade 5 student at Lugan Central Elementary School in Barangay Lemsnolon, Tboli, South Cotabato.
A simple celebration was held at her school, where she and her family received birthday gifts such as groceries and school supplies. Officials and representatives from CPD XII, OPPO, the local government, and school personnel were present to extend their support.
Joylyn is an only child. Her parents have practiced responsible parenthood through the use of family planning methods for nearly eight years. The continuous implementation of family planning and population development programs in the community has played a significant role in improving the quality of life for families like hers.
Since 2014, CPD XII, in coordination with the Provincial Government of South Cotabato and the local government unit of Tboli, has conducted annual visits to monitor Joylyn’s growth and development. The annual commemoration serves as a reminder that the country’s population has surpassed the 100 million mark, and emphasizes the shared responsibility in ensuring that every Filipino child is given the opportunity to grow, thrive, and contribute to national development.
This year’s observance echoes the national theme: “Bigyang Halaga ang Bawat Pinoy sa Pag-unlad Ngayon at Bukas.”
