POPCOM declares a Zamboanga baby boy as 100 millionth baby

By R.G. Antonet A. Go

ZAMBOANGA CITY, July 29 (PNA) -- The Commission on Population (POPCOM) has announced that a baby boy, whose mother is from Barangay Putik, an east coast barangay 4.65 kilometers from City Hall, is the 100 millionth baby in this city.

POPCOM Regional Information Officer Cecil Abuy said Tuesday the baby boy was born around 1:11 a.m. Sunday at a government hospital in this city.

The search for the 100 millionth baby has been held as the Philippines welcomed on Sunday its 100-million citizen.

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), the Philippines is the 12 most populous country in the world.

Abuy said the baby boy, being this city’s 100 millionth baby, will receive a bathtub filled with goodies such as dress, toiletries and other things needed by a baby.

Abuy said the baby boy’s mother will receive hygiene. They will be also enrolled with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

However, he said there are qualification requirements to become the 100 millionth baby of a particular place.

First, Abuy said the baby must have been born after 12:06 Sunday (July 27) through normal delivery. The mother must have also undergone complete pre-natal check-up.

He said babies born through caesarean operation are disqualified to become a 100 millionth baby.

He disclosed details concerning the baby boy’s parents were withheld since the mother is a minor.

Abuy said the search was held in a bid to symbolize hope and challenge as the population of the country reaches 100 million.

“It symbolizes hope because with the 100 million population, it increase workforce to propel the country’s development and progress and challenge since there are questions whether what would be the desire of this 100 millionth baby in life, will they be able to finish studies and reach their goal? Will they have good future?” he explained. (PNA)
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