The number of Filipino women using contraceptives rose to 8.6 million, with pills turning out to be the most popular method of birth control, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has disclosed.
The recent data results, according to the CPD, is higher than the 8.3 million recorded in 2022 and reflects a remarkable progress in the empowerment of women.
The CPD said the increase in the number of women using contraceptives corresponds to the country’s current state and shows that births among women are lower at 1.9 children.
The figure, it said, is below replacement level.
“We have come a long way but we still have more work to do. We need more opportunities, particularly in fields that are dominated by men. Let us remember that women have a multi-faceted role in the family, being the primary caregivers, taking responsibility for nurturing children and managing the household,” said CPD executive director, Undersecretary Lisa Grace S. Bersales
“It is important that we remain intentional in providing all women from different sectors with the opportunities and voice to create influence and change, especially in society,” she added.
Based on the CPD data, 34.48 percent of women prefer pills, which makes it the most popular birth control method. This was followed by injectables with 20.66 percent.
On the other hand, the CPD said it recorded an increase in the number of women using Implants.
Amid the increase of awareness, Bersales emphasized the need to continuously ensure that women in the population achieve their full potential and have their desired number and spacing of their children.
She said this is stipulated in the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action or PPD-POA 2023-2028 which covers eight key strategies that include further advancement of the population for women from different demographics.
Others include strategies in the promotion of responsible parenthood and family planning, advancing adolescent health and development, supporting labor force empowerment and active and healthy ageing and accelerating inclusive development among marginalized sectors of the population.
"As we celebrate national women’s month for this year, let us foster tangible and inclusive calls to action from various groups, providing a platform to voice women's needs for economic success and meaningful empowerment, as we collectively strive to find solutions for women’s pressing problems,” said Bersales.
We are committed to achieving the goal of optimizing demographic opportunities while addressing the remaining population issues and challenges, specifically those of our Filipino women, in order to maximize the Philippines' socioeconomic potential and improve the quality of life for all Filipinos,” she added.