Demographic surveys are important because their results become the basis for a lot of policy-making and legislative action that form the basis of governance. These samplings also show changes in behavior, consumer preferences and overall ideological bent of the population, and thus have a huge bearing on business and the economy.
Quietly but efficiently, the National Health Demographic Survey (NHDS) was completed this year under the auspices of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and it confirmed what many in the country's urban areas have thought all along: the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) of Filipino women 15- to 49-years old now stands at 1.9 children — which means that each Filipino married woman wants a maximum of two children.
According to Population Commission (POPCOM) Officer-In-Charge Executive Director Lolito Tacardon, this latest TFR number reinforces the PSA’s findings in February this year that the Philippines is now in a “demographic transition” with low levels of fertility and mortality.
Tacardon and other population experts said “this significant decline in total fertility rate offers both an opportunity, as well as a challenge.”
They positively see this as a “breakthrough” for the country’s programs on population and development as well as family planning, which were instituted more than five decades ago.
Economists see this sharp decrease in TFR of Filipino women not a cause for alarm but rather an advantage because it has the potential of being the catalyst in hastening socioeconomic development in the country. In particular, low TFR can improve labor force participation and reduce poverty with couples devoting more time to productive endeavors and livelihood activities.
“Focus should now be on ensuring that the quality and capacity of the country’s human resources are enhanced. At the household level, lower fertility also means greater opportunity for personal development of couples and individuals, which can redound to more savings and investments,” the POPCOM chief said.
As to the fear of labor shortage with the sharp decline in TFR, Tacardon said the Philippines will continue to see a robust labor force at over 63 percent of the population until 2030 or 2035. As of Nov. 14 this year, the Philippine's population is 110,444,512.
“Despite expected increase in the fertility of Filipino women because of impeded access to family planning services during lockdowns and quarantine protocols, as well as the world’s total headcount projected to hit eight billion on Nov. 15, the Philippines was able to register recent population statistics unheard of in years, with fertility numbers plummeting to less than two offspring per woman,” the POPCOM statement read.
From 2.7 children in 2017, Tacordan said the figure now stands at 1.9 this year. The same survey revealed that one in two currently married women said they no longer desire more children, while 17 percent want to delay their next childbirths for two or more years.
It is noteworthy to cite that whatever gains achieved by the government in this demographic area may be attributed in part to the continued implementation of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012.
There is no room for complacency, though.
As Tacordan pointed out, "we still have a lot of work before us, such as addressing present concerns on teenage pregnancies, where the numbers are still disturbing. We also need to double-up on our efforts in reducing fertility in rural areas, where the rates are still high.”
This demographic situation actually entails a more vigorous and enhanced implementation of relevant strategies to sustain the capacity of couples and individuals to achieve their desired fertility intentions.