"The United Nations had projected world population to pass the seven 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 just minutes before midnight on Sunday October 31. 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.
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 behind Indonesia with 94.9 million people.
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 Telegraph.
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