Introduction

A. The objective of our presentation

a. Understand the impacts of unchecked population growth on global
resources and human well-being.
b. Examine the rationale for family planning aligned with parents'
physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual capabilities.
c. Recognize the potential health risks to mothers and the strain on
families from having more children than they can adequately care
for.
d. Evaluate the long-term benefits of sustainable family planning for
quality of life and resource management.
e. Promote responsible parenthood by encouraging family sizes
matched to available parental resources and capacities.

B. Definition of terms
a. Overpopulation - the state whereby the human population rises to
an extent exceeding the carrying capacity of the ecological setting
b. Health Risk -the chance or likelihood that something will harm or
otherwise affect your health
c. Resource management -is the practice of planning, scheduling,
and allocating people, money, and technology to a project or
program. In essence, it is allocating resources to achieve the
greatest organizational value.
d. Social inequality -is the condition where people have unequal
access to valued resources, services, and positions in the society
e. Socio-economic development- is the process of social and
economic progress in a society. Socio-economic development is
measured with indicators, such as GDP, life expectancy, literacy
and levels of employment.

C. Description of Social Issues:

a. Overpopulation strains societal resources and public services,
impacting standards of living. As populations grow, competition
increases for limited resources like food, water, housing, education,
and healthcare. This can exacerbate poverty, worsen economic
inequalities, and diminish access to social support systems.
 b. Having more children than parents can adequately provide for
physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually leads to
detrimental social consequences:
i. Physical Impacts:
1. Maternal health issues from frequent pregnancies
2. Lack of prenatal/postnatal care for mothers and
babies
3. Greater childhood malnutrition and disease
susceptibility
ii. Financial Strains:
1. Increased poverty and debt for low-income families
2. Diminished funds for children's education and
enrichment
3. Perpetuating cycles of poverty across generations
iii. Emotional Tolls:
1. Parental burnout and stress from being overwhelmed
2. Insufficient quality childcare time and attention per
child
3. Higher risks of neglect, abuse, behavioral issues
iv. Spiritual/Moral Effects:
1. Diminished ability to impart values and ethics
2. Moral dilemmas about resource allocation among
offspring
3. Societal tensions from competition for limited
resources
c. Promoting family planning aligned with parental capabilities
mitigates these social issues, allowing for higher living standards
and stronger social support networks.

D. Dilemma
a. While limiting family sizes aligned with parental capabilities could
help address overpopulation and its strains on resources, it raises
ethical dilemmas around government intervention in private
reproductive choices.
b. While limiting family sizes aligned with parental capabilities could
help address overpopulation and its strains on resources, it raises
ethical dilemmas around government intervention in private
reproductive choices.
c. On one hand, unchecked population growth poses risks to public
welfare, the environment, and standards of living for future
 generations. Having more children than parents can adequately
care for burdens social services and exacerbates poverty, health
issues, emotional neglect, and moral instruction deficits. From a
utilitarian perspective, regulating family sizes could maximize
societal well-being.
d. On the other hand, reproduction is a fundamental human right.
Enforcing limits could be viewed as a government overreach into
personal privacy, autonomy, and family decisions. It discriminates
against cultural/religious views favoring large families. There are
also concerns about potential for abuse, such as selective
enforcement against minorities.
e. The dilemma pits societal interests in curbing overpopulation
against individuals' reproductive freedoms. It questions whether
benefits to the collective justify restricting personal liberties around
family planning. Striking a balance between population control and
civil rights proves challenging but necessary for an ethical solution.
f. Ultimately, the dilemma compels examination of competing moral
philosophies - obligations to the greater good versus protection of
individual liberties and prevention of discriminatory policies.
Resolving it requires weighing societal costs against personal costs
through a well-reasoned ethical framework.

E. Cause of Overpopulation
a. (2011), one primary cause of overpopulation in the Philippines is
the lack of family planning and education. The country has been
struggling to provide comprehensive reproductive health services
and access to contraception. This leads to higher fertility rates,
resulting in an increased population growth rate.

F. The Effects of Overpopulation on the Environment

a. Good:
i. There are no significant positive environmental impacts from
overpopulation.
b. Bad:
i. Increased demand and strain on natural resources (water,
fossil fuels, forests)
ii. Higher greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate
change
 iii.
Loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats due to human
encroachment
iv. Accelerated deforestation and desertification
v. More pollution and waste generation overwhelm waste
management systems
G. How Overpopulation Affects:
a. Resources
i. Depleting non-renewable resources at unsustainable rates
(oil, coal, minerals)
ii. Overexploitation of renewable resources like freshwater,
forests, fisheries
iii. Resource scarcity and conflicts over access
b. Food
i. Diminishing arable land for agriculture due to soil
degradation and urbanization
ii. Increased demand straining global food production and
distribution systems
iii. Higher potential for malnutrition and famine, especially in
developing regions
c. Trash
i. Generation of excessive solid waste overwhelming landfills
and dumping sites
ii. Plastic pollution contaminating oceans, waterways and
landscapes
iii. Toxic industrial/medical waste posing health and
environmental hazards
d. Places to Live
i. Urban overcrowding and growth of slums/informal
settlements
ii. Destruction of natural habitats for human settlements,
agriculture, industry
iii. Displacement of human and animal populations leading to
conflicts
e. Overall, unchecked population growth exerts immense pressure on
the environment, depleting resources, disrupting ecosystems, and
compromising living conditions for all species if addressed.

Overpopulation in certain areas like:

Philippines vs Singapore
118,794,833 April 2024 6.03 Million by January 2024

Land area (sq. km) in Singapore was reported at 718 sq. Km in 2021, according to the
World Bank

Area: 114,145 sq mi (295,633 sq km). Population: (2024 est.) 116,628,000.

Observations about population and land mass when comparing the Philippines and
Singapore:

Population:

● The Philippines has a much larger population compared to Singapore. As of April

2024, the population of the Philippines is estimated to be 118,794,833, while
Singapore's population is estimated to be around 6.03 million as of January
2024.

Land Area:

● Singapore has a significantly smaller land area compared to the Philippines.

Singapore's total land area is reported to be only 718 square kilometers (277
square miles) in 2021, according to the World Bank.
● In contrast, the Philippines has a land area of approximately 295,633 square
kilometers (114,145 square miles).

Population Density:

● Due to the vast difference in land area and population size, the population
density of Singapore is much higher than that of the Philippines.
● With a population of over 6 million and a land area of only 718 square kilometers,
Singapore has an extremely high population density.
● On the other hand, the Philippines, with a population of over 118 million and a
land area of 295,633 square kilometers, has a relatively lower population density
compared to Singapore.

Implications:

● The high population density in Singapore puts significant strain on the limited
land resources, necessitating efficient urban planning, housing, and resource
management strategies.
 ● In the Philippines, while the overall population density is lower, the large
population size still exerts pressure on natural resources, infrastructure, and
public services, particularly in urban areas.
● The disparity in population density between the two countries highlights the
differing challenges they face in terms of urban development, environmental
sustainability, and resource allocation.

Manila vs Mabinay

14,942,000 people in the year 2024 - 82,953 people in the year 2020

II. Social/Moral Perspective

The social and moral perspective on overpopulation in the Philippines encompasses a

range of complex issues. From a social standpoint, overpopulation can strain resources
such as food, water, and housing, leading to poverty, unemployment, and inadequate
healthcare and education. From a moral perspective, there are concerns about the
rights and well-being of individuals and families in an overpopulated society, including
access to reproductive healthcare, family planning services, and the ability to make
informed choices about family size. For example Limited Access to Reproductive
Healthcare in many parts of the Philippines, particularly in rural areas, access to
reproductive healthcare services such as contraception and family planning counseling
is limited. This lack of access can lead to unintended pregnancies, which may strain
families financially and emotionally. Another example is High birth rates and Poverty,
overpopulation exacerbates poverty in the Philippines. Families with limited resources
may struggle to provide for their children's basic needs such as food, education, and
healthcare. This cycle of poverty can be difficult to break, especially when families have
more children than they can adequately support. Additionally, there are ethical
considerations regarding sustainability, environmental degradation, and the impact of
overpopulation on future generations. Addressing these challenges requires a
multifaceted approach that promotes reproductive rights, education, economic
empowerment, and sustainable development. It's about balancing individual freedoms
with societal needs and fostering a culture of responsibility and empathy towards others
and the environment.
Pros:

Labor Force: A large population can provide a significant labor force, which can be
advantageous for economic growth. With a large working-age population, there is
potential for increased productivity and innovation, leading to economic development
and prosperity.

-Manufacturing Sector: The manufacturing sector in the Philippines plays a crucial role
in providing employment opportunities. Industries such as electronics, automotive,
garments, and food processing employ a substantial portion of the labor force,
especially in industrial zones like the Cavite Economic Zone, Laguna Technopark, and
the Mactan Export Processing Zone. Other labor forces are BPO Industry , Tourism and
Hospitality and Agriculture

Consumer Market: A large population creates a sizable consumer market, attracting

investments and stimulating economic activity. Businesses have a larger customer
base, which can drive demand for goods and services, fostering business expansion
and employment opportunities. Which is beneficial for a large population , for example
E-commerce with the internet penetration and smartphone usage, e-commerce has
seen significant growth in the Philippines. Platforms like Lazada, Shopee, and Zalora
are popular among consumers, we also have Food Delivery Services , Travel and
Tourism.

Recent economic data shows that the Philippines economy has continued to show
robust expansion, with GDP growth of 5.9% year-over-year (y/y) in the third quarter of
2023. Latest S&P Global Purchasing Managers Index survey results for November 2023
also showed that the Philippines manufacturing sector is one of the fastest growing
amongst the major economies worldwide

- ECONOMICS COMMENTARY Dec 22, 2023

Cultural Diversity: High population density also increases cultural diversity due to the
influx of people from different backgrounds and cultures living together in one region or
city. A diverse population enriches the cultural landscape of the country, contributing to
a vibrant society with a wide range of traditions, languages, and perspectives. Cultural
diversity can promote creativity, tolerance, and social cohesion.

Cultural diversity can play a significant role in addressing overpopulation in the

Philippines such as Education and Empowerment promotes the exchange of ideas and
perspectives. By embracing diversity, communities can develop educational programs
that emphasize family planning, reproductive health, and gender equality. Empowering
individuals, especially women, with knowledge about contraceptives and reproductive
health services can lead to informed family planning decisions, ultimately contributing to
population stabilization.

Cons:

Strain on Resources: Overpopulation puts immense pressure on the country's

resources, leading to shortages of food, water, housing, and other essentials. This strain
exacerbates poverty and inequality, as resources become increasingly scarce and
inaccessible to vulnerable populations.

- Water Scarcity : Rapid urbanization, population growth, deforestation,

and pollution have led to the depletion of water sources and deterioration of
water quality. Inadequate access to clean and potable water affects millions of
Filipinos, especially those living in urban slums and rural areas. Metro Manila,
for instance, is heavily reliant on the Angat Dam for its water supply, which
faces challenges such as sedimentation and decreasing water levels due to
deforestation and changing rainfall patterns. This strain on water resources
has led to rationing, particularly during dry seasons.
- Housing Shortages , Food Insecurity ,Traffic Congestion
 - Limited resources, such as land, housing, and facilities like schools,
hospitals, etc., compared to rural or suburban regions.

Unemployment and Underemployment: With a large population competing for limited

job opportunities, unemployment and underemployment rates remain high. Many people
struggle to find stable employment, perpetuating poverty and economic inequality,
particularly among marginalized communities. Unemployment and underemployment in
the Philippines can indeed be influenced by factors related to overpopulation, although
it's important to note that the relationship between the two is complex and multifaceted.

Some factors lead to Limited Job Opportunities Overpopulation it can strain public
services and infrastructure, leading to inadequate investment in education, healthcare,
and transportation. We have Pressure on Public Services and Infrastructur,
overpopulation can strain public services and infrastructure, leading to inadequate
investment in education, healthcare, and transportation. This can result in a workforce
that lacks the necessary skills and qualifications to compete in the job market,
contributing to higher rates of unemployment and underemployment. Skills Mismatches,
overpopulation can exacerbate skills mismatches within the labor market. While there
may be a large pool of job seekers, many may lack the skills and qualifications
demanded by employers. This can result in higher rates of unemployment as job
seekers struggle to find employment that matches their skills and experience.

Increased Pollution: High population density often leads to increased pollution levels
due to the concentration of people living together in one region.

It results from numerous vehicles and factories producing goods necessary for daily life,
emitting harmful emissions into the atmosphere, contaminating air quality, which can
cause health problems over time.

While overpopulation is not the sole cause of pollution in the Philippines, it certainly
contributes to increased pressure on the environment and exacerbates existing pollution
challenges.

Main factors that lead to Pollutions are Air Pollution from Transportation ,Overpopulation
often leads to increased urbanization and a higher concentration of vehicles on the
roads. In major cities like Metro Manila, where population density is high, the number of
cars, motorcycles, and public transportation vehicles contributes to air pollution through
emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds.

- Waste Generation and Improper Disposal , Deforestation and Land Conversion ,

Water Pollution from Urbanization and Agriculture

Social Problems: Large numbers of people living close can also lead to social issues,
such as crime, gang activity, and drug use.

When people feel they have no other options or cannot meet their basic needs, they
may turn to criminal activities to achieve their goals.

Overcrowding could also make it difficult for authorities to properly monitor what’s
happening within the region, making it easier for criminals or gangs to operate without
fear of being caught.

Poverty and Population Growth - Families with multiple children: The first causal
relationship pertains to the idea that high population levels and growth rates are usually
associated with higher levels of poverty. From the perspective of a household, an
additional member that will naturally require additional expenditures effectively reduces
family savings rate. Income, which would have originally been spent on other activities
such as increasing the quality of life of other household members or perhaps
entrepreneurial undertakings, is instead spent to sustain the additional member.

Similarly, from an aggregate perspective, a larger population may hinder the effective
and efficacious provision of social services as limited funds are spread too thinly across
a huge number of individuals. Families with multiple children can contribute to the
challenges associated with overpopulation in the Philippines that can and may lead to
Increased Resource Consumption , Pressure on Education System and Healthcare
Access.

The philosophical standpoint on overpopulation in the Philippines

1. Ethical Considerations
From a philosophical perspective, overpopulation in the Philippines prompts ethical
inquiries into how resources are distributed among individuals and communities.
Philosophers may question the fairness of resource allocation and explore principles of
justice and equity. They may argue that ensuring access to essential resources such as
food, water, and shelter is not only a matter of social responsibility but also a moral
imperative. Discussions about the ethical dimensions of overpopulation also touch upon
issues of social justice, as the burdens of overpopulation often fall disproportionately on
marginalized communities

2. Environmental Ethics:

Philosophers may approach overpopulation in the Philippines through the lens of

environmental ethics, which examines humanity's moral responsibilities towards the
natural world. Overpopulation exacerbates environmental degradation, including
deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. Philosophical discussions may explore
the ethical implications of human impact on the environment and advocate for
sustainable practices that prioritize the health of ecosystems and biodiversity. This
perspective underscores the interconnectedness of human well-being and
environmental health, emphasizing the importance of ethical stewardship of the Earth
for present and future generations.

3. Population Ethics:

The philosophical discourse on overpopulation in the Philippines involves

considerations of population ethics, which examines the moral dimensions of population
growth and control measures. Philosophers may debate the ethics of policies aimed at
reducing population growth rates, such as family planning programs and reproductive
rights. This discussion delves into questions of individual autonomy, human flourishing,
and the common good. Philosophical inquiries may weigh the moral implications of
population control measures against concerns about individual freedoms and human
rights, highlighting the complexities of balancing collective well-being with personal
autonomy.

In conclusion, the philosophical standpoint on overpopulation in the Philippines

encompasses a range of ethical, environmental, and existential considerations.
Philosophical inquiries into this complex issue offer insights into the moral
responsibilities of individuals and societies, the ethical dimensions of resource allocation
and environmental stewardship, and the existential challenges posed by overpopulation
in a crowded and finite world.

III. Biblical/Theological Perspective

Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in
number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky
and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
God has a plan for the happiness of all who live on the earth, and the birth of
children within loving families is central to His plan. The first commandment He gave to
Adam and Eve was to “be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.”1 The scriptures
declare, “Children are an heritage of the Lord.”2 Those who are physically able have the
blessing, joy, and obligation to bear children and to raise a family. This blessing should
not be postponed for selfish reasons. Many religious faiths center on the belief that God
intends for humans to have families and children. In Christianity, for example, the Bible
emphasizes that having children and raising a family is part of God's plan for happiness
and fulfillment. The commandment given to Adam and Eve to "be fruitful, multiply, and
replenish the earth" is frequently used as proof of this divine responsibility. Similarly, the
Bible teaches that children are a gift from God, and that those who are physically
capable have both the blessing and the responsibility of bearing children and raising a
household. As a result, delaying or avoiding having children solely for selfish reasons is
viewed as contrary to God's plan and the divine purpose of human existence
In the Philippines, a predominantly Catholic country, there is a cultural and
religious emphasis on having large families. The idea of "being fruitful and multiplying"
is often interpreted quite literally, and this has contributed to the country's high
population growth rate.
While the verse encourages reproduction, it also implies a responsibility to care
for the earth. Overpopulation poses a challenge specially in the Philipines, which only
have limited resources, including land, water, and food, are under immense pressure,
leading to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and increased vulnerability to
natural disasters
According to Chester L. Hunt, ‘s article on Catholicism and the philippine
population problem, The Philippines has two characteristics that differentiate it from
other countries in Southeast Asia. It is the only predominantly Christian country in the
region and it has one of the highest rates of population growth. Non-Catholic Christians
make up only about 9% of the population compared with around 82% for Roman
Catholics. Given the Catholic Church's objections to both contraception and abortion, it
is reasonable to hypothesize that the religious composition of the population, with its
overwhelming Catholic majority and the Church's teachings on contraception and
abortion, could contribute to the higher population growth rate in the Philippines.

Contraception: The Catholic Church opposes the use of artificial contraceptives,

promoting natural family planning methods instead. This stance can influence family
planning practices, leading to larger family sizes.

Abortion: The Catholic Church also opposes abortion, considering it morally

wrong. This stance can result in fewer abortions and may contribute to higher birth
rates.
The Catholic Church teaches that contraception disrupts the natural order of
human life, and abortion is considered a serious sin. As a result, many Catholics in the
Philippines follow these teachings, resulting in larger family sizes and higher fertility
rates than in countries where contraception and abortion are more commonly accepted.
This religious influence on family planning practices most likely contributes to the
country's rapid population growth.

Proverbs 14:28 “A large population is a king’s glory, but without his subjects a prince is
ruined”.
Before, a large population can be seen as a blessing but it also requires a wise
governance and management of resources to avoid ruin. Without proper governance,
an overpopulated kingdom may struggle to provide for its citizens, leading to poverty,
social unrest, and ultimately the downfall of the ruler.
The Philippines faces the challenge of balancing the biblical principle of viewing a
large population as a blessing with the practical realities of limited resources and social,
economic, and environmental strains. While a large population can be seen as a source
of pride and strength for the nation, it also requires prudent/wise leadership and
effective governance to ensure the well-being of its citizens and the sustainability of its
resources. This means they have to think carefully about things like family planning,
making sure everyone is treated fairly, and protecting the environment.

Additional info - link

IV. Church View

So now moving on to the church view we have the following key points on the
Roman catholic view points

The 3 key points on the Roman Catholics viewpoint on population

● Catholic stance as pronatalists due to belief in children as blessings from
God
● Incompatibility of Catholic beliefs with population control interventions
● Basis of Catholic beliefs in scripture and tradition opposing population
control methods

And to further expand on this we have a significant figure in the catholic

community

In a podcast called Catholic Answers which is an advocacy group based in

El Cajon, California, they had a guest speaker, Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J. He is the
Founder and Editor of Ignatius Press. He has taught both philosophy and
theology courses at several schools. Fr. Fessio wrote his dissertation on the
ecclesiology of Hans Urs von Balthasar under the direction of Joseph Cardinal
Ratzinger, now Pope Benedict XVI. He holds the degrees of B.A. and M.A. from
Gonzaga University; M.A. from the Fourvière Jesuit Faculty of Theology in Lyons,
France; and Th.D. from the University of Regensburg in Germany.

So Fr. Fessio answers a question regarding if having more children is

suitable in todays time

In which he replies the ff:

”the greatest resource we have, it's not fossil fuels, it's not electricity, it's
not nuclear power, it's the human brain and the human person”

“We have more food per person on the planet now than we had thirty years
ago; the human mind, human productivity, has been able to to provide so much
that the world, even though there's poverty in the world there's, there's less
poverty in the world now than there was fifty years ago and a hundred years ago.
So the idea that we're going to somehow save the planet by having fewer
children, that is totally mistaken.”

He further mentions a book by Paul ehrlich called “the population bomb”

this book promised that “hundreds of millions of people are going to starve to
death” and that “Nothing can prevent a substantial increase in the world death
rate”
This book only incited panic and fear and lots of critics said it focused on human
numbers as the cause of environmental problems, rather than total consumption.

“You know, the best thing we can do for our country is to have a large
family with parents that live together and stay together and pass on our culture
and our faith to them. Because--why do we have crime? Why do we have
poverty? You look at the statistics, it's broken families.”

For Fr. he says we shouldn’t limit what God can do citing the ff. examples St.
Ignatius alone, the founder of the Jesuits, was number 13 in his family. Saint Catherine
of Siena, when she, you know, criticized the Pope and got him to go back from Avignon
to Rome in the 14th century, she was a twin, number 21 and 22. He further advises to
trust in God’s plan and to not limit the children that you may have.

Now to compare we will move on to a significant figure in the islamic community

The 3 key points on the Islamic perspective on population

● They assume that human beings will progress not by controlling the
population but by properly planning human resources
● The great majority of Islamic scholars, however, proscribe or have
reservations about sterilization, which they believe interferes with God’s
creation.
● Islamic teachings should adapt to solve modern problems like population
growth and its effects on the environment

Islamic leaders originally encouraged Muslim population growth, but today the
Muslim population is very large, and is growing fast, which given the changed
circumstances, some believe it’s time for qualified mujtahids to evaluate the situation,
notably to decide whether a ruling is necessary to more strongly promote family
planning to reduce population growth

Mujtahid - an authoritative interpreter of the religious law of islam.

In a research conducted by Daud Abdul-Fattah Bachelor titled “Islamic

perspective on curbing population growth to promote earth’s sustainability” He
interviewed Professor Kamali.

Professor Mohammad Hashim Kamali is an Afghan Islamic scholar who

has taught and worked for many years in Malaysia. He is Founding Chairman and
CEO of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, Malaysia
(2007—continuing).

In the Interview Abdul-Fattah asked a question regarding the Islamic legal

considerations on curbing population growth.
Mohammad Hashim Kamali has stated that when a mujtahid concludes that
previous fiqhi rulings “no longer serve the objectives of shariah owing to considerations
of social change, he may attempt fresh ijtihad ... to construct a ruling which is best
suited to the prevailing circumstances and respond to the legitimate needs and interest
of the people.”

To further explain what he means, Kamali is talking about how Islamic scholars
can update their legal rulings to fit modern times. He mentions a concept called
ijtihad, which is when these scholars use their own judgment and hard work to
come up with new rules based on the Quran, teachings of the Prophet
Muhammad, agreements among scholars, and reasoning from past cases.
Kamali believes that Islamic law isn't set in stone and can change as society
changes.

If a scholar sees that old rulings don't work well anymore because society has shifted,
they can use ijtihad to make new rules that better match what's happening today.

This means making sure the law meets the needs of people and fits with what's
going on in the world.

So, Kamali is saying that Islamic law should keep up with the times by being
reinterpreted and adjusted when needed. This way, it stays relevant and helps
solve the problems we face today, while still staying true to the core values of
Islam.

So to better understand the perspectives lets differentiate it

In the catholic church's perspective it's more static as Fr. emphasizes continuity
and adherence to traditional teachings on family size, viewing the command to "be
fruitful and multiply" as timeless and unchanging and uses historical examples of large
families among saints to justify having more children, suggesting that limiting the
number of children may hinder what God can accomplish through individuals.
While in the Islamic perspective Professor Kamali has a more dynamic approach
towards overpopulation and allowing for reinterpretation and adaptation of Islamic law
to ensure it remains relevant and effective in addressing modern issues. As he says
the need to reassess traditional views in light of contemporary challenges, such as
environmental degradation and sustainability, suggesting that new rulings can better
align with the overarching objectives of shariah.

Shariah is the moral code and religious law of Islam covering the
rules, regulations, teachings, and values that govern the lives of
Muslims

However, despite the differences both perspectives have similarities in which

both:
- recognize the family unit as fundamental to society.
- express a deep trust in the divine plan.
- Both concerned with the welfare of future generations
- And lastly both incorporate a sense of moral responsibility in which Fr. Fressio
talks about the moral duty to nurture and educate children within a strong family
framework, while the Islamic perspective includes the ethical duty to adapt
rulings that better serve the needs and interests of people, which can include
considerations of justice and preventing harm.

V. Group Standpoint of the Issue

With all the information that we have provided from different contrasting perspectives, the group
has decided collectively on the stand on overpopulation. As a group, we hold the perspective that
overpopulation is not just solely a matter focused on population size, but rather an issue of
responsible family planning and resource management. We believe that every individual has the
right to how many children they decide to have, in line with that of their beliefs and values.
However, it is part of the responsibility of parents to be able to provide the essential resources
needed such as food, education, healthcare, and a safe environment for their children. And with
that, as a group, we believe that responsible parenting is a fundamental principle that would align
to our Christian beliefs. Because of this, we highly believe in the need to empower and educate
parents through informative seminars conducted by experts, that would aim to educate and
encourage thoughtful decision-making, with regards to family size and resource allocation.
Promoting the balance between the call to be fruitful and multiply and the practical responsibility
to provide for each child’s needs.
As a group, our approach to this issue emphasizes the importance of informed choices, and
personal responsibility within the context of Christian values. We recognize the command to “be
fruitful and multiply”, and is significant within our faith, but it also carries the implicit
responsibility for us to take care for the well-being of our families and communities. By fostering
open dialogue and education, we seek to entrust individuals to make conscientious decisions
about family planning. As a group this effort would not only promote a sustainable population
growth, it also would support the holistic development of families in line with our Christian
principles.

To conclude, our stance on overpopulation highlights the significance of responsible parenting

guided by religious principles. With this stance, we believe in a balanced approach that would
both respect the individual freedom while promoting informed decision-making and sustainable
living. Through educational initiatives such as seminars led by experts, this aims to facilitate
meaningful discussions about family planning and resource allocation, which would encourage
families to have a conscientious approach to address the challenges associated with population
growth. With this stance, this perspective reflects our commitment to honor the divine command
to multiply, while having the ethical imperative to ensure the well-being of every child and
family.
References:

Nelson, R. (n.d.). Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Birth

Control). Www.churchofjesuschrist.org.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/birth-control?lan

g=eng

https://www.usccb.org/committees/pro-life-activities/myth-overpopulation-and-folks-who-
brought-it-you

Chester. Catholicism and the Philippine Population Problem

https://www.jstor.org/stable/41056850

https://sites.psu.edu/aspsy/2015/09/24/catholicism-and-overpopulation/#:~:text=In%20a
ddition%2C%20the%20Catechism%20of,Catechism%20of%20the%20Catholic%20Chu
rch.
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tte
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https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/mi/research-analysis/philippines-econo
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