Section 488. Qualifications, Powers and Duties. —

1. No person shall be appointed population officer unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a resident of the local government unit concerned, of good moral character, a holder of a college degree with specialized training in population development from a recognized college or university, and a first grade civil service eligible or its equivalent. He must have experience in the implementation of programs on population development or responsible parenthood for at least five (5) years in the case of the provincial or city population officer, and three (3) years in the case of the municipal population officer.

   The appointment of a population officer shall be optional in the local government unit: Provided, however, That provinces and cities which have existing population offices shall continue to maintain such offices for a period of five (5) years from the date of effectivity of this Code, after which said offices shall become optional.

2. The population officer shall take charge of the office on population development and shall:

   1. Formulate measures for the consideration of the sanggunian and provide technical assistance and support to the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in carrying out measures to ensure the delivery of basic services and provision of adequate facilities relative to the integration of the population development principles and in providing access to said services and facilities;

   2. Develop plans and strategies and upon approval thereof by the governor or mayor, as the case may be, implement the same, particularly those which have to do with the integration of population development principles and methods in programs and projects which the governor or mayor is empowered to implement and which the sanggunian is empowered to provide for under this Code;

   3. In addition to the foregoing duties and functions, the population officer shall:

      1. Assist the governor or mayor, as the case may be, in the implementation of the Constitutional provisions relative to population development and the promotion of responsible parenthood;

      2. Establish and maintain an updated data bank for program operations, development planning and an educational program to ensure the people's participation in and understanding of population development;

      3. Implement appropriate training programs responsive to the cultural heritage of the inhabitants; and

3. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.