PH fertility rate hits historic low as contraception gaps persist

Inquirer.net - Sep 24, 2026

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and its partners on Thursday called for wider access to family planning and contraception as the Philippines records its lowest fertility rate yet, while many women still face difficulty obtaining the reproductive health services and methods they need. The call came as the country

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Puregold Hakot Relay draws 4,000 runners

Puregold Hakot Relay draws 4,000 runners

Sep 24, 2026

More than 4,000 runners gathered at Vermosa Sports Hub in Imus, Cavite, for the South Luzon leg of Puregold’s Hakot Relay, which introduced a new 8K Individual Challenge alongside the event’s signature grocery-themed relay.  The South Luzon leg marked the first time the Hakot Relay featured an individual 8-km race, giving solo runners a chance to take on a longer course while maintaining the event’s signature grocery “hakot” concept.  About 500 participants joined the 8K Individual Challenge, while the rest competed in the traditional Hakot Relay, where runners formed teams and raced through the course while collecting grocery items along the way.  Unlike the relay, which required teamwork and strategy, the 8K challenge tested participants individually as they completed the full distance on their own.   “We wanted to offer runners a fresh and enjoyable way to challenge themselves, with the ‘hakot’ mechanic adding a playful and uniquely Puregold twist to the race. Being part of the running community is meaningful to us, and it is a privilege for Puregold to bring people together for a shared panalo experience,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, Puregold senior marketing manager.  The event began with a pre-race warm-up before participants headed to the starting line. Runners then completed their respective courses within the prescribed cut-off times.  After crossing the finish line, participants received their race-day rewards and visited sampling booths featuring participating brands. Sponsor-led activities and an awarding ceremony followed the races.  The team relay participants received a Grocery Sling Bag and a Finisher’s Grocery Bag. Meanwhile, 8K Individual Challenge finishers received a distinct reward that matched the event’s grocery-themed concept: a finisher’s grocery cart wagon to carry their loot home.  “We’re always looking for ways to level up the Hakot Relay and give Filipinos something new to look forward to. This year, it meant introducing our first-ever 8K challenge and bringing the experience to an even bigger scale,” Piedad said.   With more than 4,000 runners participating as teams or individual competitors, the South Luzon leg expanded the Hakot Relay format while retaining its signature reward, allowing participants to race to the finish line and take home groceries.

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