The Philippine population has reached more than 109 million, based on the census released by the Philippine Statistics Authority for the year 2020, while the country’s population growth has recorded a downtrend.
According to the PSA, the population of the Philippines is 109,035,343, an increase of 8 million compared to 100,981,487 in 2015.
Of the 17 administrative regions, Region IV-A (CALABARZON) had the biggest population in 2020 with 16,195,042, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 13,484,462 and Region III (Central Luzon) with 12,422,172.
But compared to 2010 to 2015 which was 1.72 percent Philippine population growth rate it dropped by 1.63 percent from 2016 to 2020.
“Isa sa mga rason of course ang preference ng maraming pamilya na mas maliit ‘yung family size, but this is not unique, itong 2015-2020 because we are seeing a downtrend in terms of population growth several censuses already,” said PSA Civil Registrar General Dennis Mapa.
For the National Economic and Development Authority, the reproductive health program has the effect of slowing down population growth.
It is also good for the economy.
2020 census: Philippine population growth slows
“There is progress on our reproductive health program. Total fertility rate is falling, more women are more educated and better managing their families and the population growth is also falling,” said NEDA Secretary Karl Chua.
The Commission on Population and Development also believes in the positive effects of slow Philippine population growth on the economy but said it should be accompanied by various programs.
“We are hoping kung patuloy ang ganitong trend, by 2025, we will be able to reach a population growth and fertility na makakasabay na tayo sa ibang mga bansa dito sa Asya na mas maunlad,” said POPCOM Undersecretary Juan Antonio Perez III.
“Ang mahalaga pa rin para sa pamilyang Pilipino ay maging resilient sa panahon na ito ng COVID, ng economic crisis, May health crisis tayo. So sa palagay namin ay isang resilient na pamilya sa para pang krisis ay isang smaller family. A family of around 2 will just be right, but it’s up to the couple kung ilan ang magiging anak nila,” he added.
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