World’s symbolic 7 billionth baby born in Philippines

The Philippines welcomed one of the world’s symbolic “7 billionth babies” on Monday in a government-run hospital.

The United Nations had projected world population to pass the 7 billion mark on October 31, and several countries announced a “7 billionth baby” to mark the milestone.

The Filipino baby, Danica Mae Camacho, was born at 2.5 kilos. Cheers erupted from hospital staff and U.N. officials waiting outside the delivery room of the Dr. Jose Fabella Hospital.

Camille Camacho, mother of the newborn, said she could not contain her happiness despite being exhausted from labour.

“We will do our best to take care of her. This baby is a blessing,” she said.

Camille’s husband, Florante Camacho works as a jeepney driver, while Camille is a housewife. Danica is their second child, and they said they are planning to have another one in the future.

Government officials and private donors congratulated the family and gave the child a birthday cake and a scholarship grant, while the parents were given a livelihood package to start a small store.

Fabella Hospital is one of the largest maternal and newborn hospitals in the Philippines, catering mostly to low-income families. It has been called a baby factory, as it delivers roughly a fifth of Manila’s babies, a local daily reported.

The Philippine population ranks second largest in Southeast Asia, with 94.9 million people, behind Indonesia.

United Nations Resident Coordinator Jacqueline Badcock, who was at the Fabella hospital to see the baby, said a country that utilises its resources well can manage a large population.

“Well, the thing is whether you have a large number or a small number, you need to plan for your population, and you need to provide the services that you need to live a productive life. So it is not only for the countries with large population, it is for all countries,” Badcock said.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) report on the State of World Population lists the Philippines as the 12th most populous country.

The report said reproductive health remains a crucial issue in many parts of the developing world where population growth exceeds economic development.

Reproductive health is a contentious issue in Catholic-dominated Philippines. Pro-life church leaders and  Catholic groups have aggressively opposed legislation that aims to give wider access to information on contraception and prevention of unwanted pregnancies.

A UNFPA report states that 10 percent of Filipino women from ages 15-19 have started child bearing, which also includes an increasing vulnerability to HIV.

Philippine Health Secretary Enrique Ona said the Filipino seven billionth baby presented an opportunity to assess population-related issues.

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