By Gabriel Kim Leal
(April 5, 2024) – A study from the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) reveals that the average number of children per Filipino family has dipped below two, marking a significant demographic shift in the country.
The data from the commission indicates that the average number of children now stands at 1.9 across the Philippines, with a more pronounced decrease in the National Capital Region (NCR), where the figure is just 1.2.
This demographic trend in Metro Manila is attributed to migration rather than natural population growth, as individuals from various regions move to the city in search of employment opportunities.
“Kasi (ang NCR ay) urbanized. Maraming economic opportunities so isa lang anak nila. Ang increase ng population ay migration, not birth. Pumunta sa NCR dahil may trabaho rito,” said the commission’s Acting Decision Chief Mylin Mirasol Quiray in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon.
Interestingly, despite the common assumption that the pandemic would lead to a population surge due to couples spending more time together, the fertility rates actually declined.
“During pandemic we were expecting na mag shoot up dahil maraming chance mag-sex. Pero it went down,” added Quiray. “Pandemic is not top of mind. Economic ang concern.”
This demographic shift is supported by changing societal values, with younger couples preferring to cohabit or focus on pet care rather than starting families.
Additionally, the study underscores a significant transition in family planning attitudes, with a noticeable reduction in marriages and a shift toward live-in arrangements, particularly among those under 30.
Meanwhile, further insights reveal a stark contrast in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where families average three children — defying the national downward trend.
(JREC)
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