Religion, population issues served up at Mulat Pinoy Kapihan Members of the clergy and population and development (POPDEV) advocates have long been at loggerheads, with certain faiths condemning popdev initiatives like artificial contraception as “anti-life.” Although they support opposing sides of the Reproductive Health bill controversy, popdev supporters and the religious have more in common than we–and perhaps they–think. Join the Mulat Pinoy Kapihan on April 17, 2:30 pm, at Bo’s Coffee Glorietta 5, for an eye-opening discussion on Population and Religion: their common goals, and divergent views.

The influence of religion runs deep in the fabric of everyday Filipino life. From mundane concerns such as patronizing a restaurant or food product to inciting resistance against oppressive regimes, Filipinos lean on religion for guidance and support. At the core of every religion is a respect for life and a desire to contribute to the well-being of all—goals shared by popdev advocates as well. Dr. Zelda Zablan of UP Population Institute and Liberal Party senatorial candidates Yasmin Busran Lao and Dr. Martin Bautista join the Mulat Pinoy team for another controversial conversation.

Mulat Pinoy (http://www.mulatpinoy.ph) is a popdev education and advocacy campaign spearheaded by Probe Media Foundation and the Philippine Center for Population and Development. Previous Mulat Pinoy Kapihan sessions tackled the interrelations between population and the environment, government resources, housing, education, and health.