World’s 8 billionth baby is Filipino

The eight billionth person in the world is Filipino — born in a state-run hospital in Manila, marking a new record in the world's population.

Maria Margarette Villorente, from Tondo, gave birth to Vinice Mabansag via normal delivery at Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila at 1:29 a.m. on 14 November.

"We just witnessed the world's eighth billionth baby in the Philippines. We waited around two hours starting at 11 p.m. last night, and the baby was delivered at around 1:29 a.m. It was a normal, spontaneous delivery," Dr. Romeo Bituin, the hospital's chief medical professional staff said.

Villorente expressed joy over her daughter being referred to as the "8th billionth baby" of the planet, calling her a blessing.

Lyneth Therese Monsalve, chief administrative officer of the Commission on Population and Development, said that they are hopeful Vinice would one day serve as a benchmark for development.

"We are looking at possible interventions, particularly from the local government units, for what they can give for these babies and the coming other babies in terms of health, education, and housing when they grow up," Monsalve said.

Just hours before Baby Vinice was born, the United Nations predicted that the world's population would reach eight billion on 14 November. It set up a countdown on its website to commemorate the event.

"The milestone is an occasion to celebrate diversity and advancements while considering humanity's shared responsibility for the planet," Secretary-General António Guterres said in a statement on the UN website.