Smaller-Size Filipino Families And The ‘Demographic Dividend'

The growth of the Philippine population continues on a downtrend, as more families prefer a smaller family size. Total population as of May 2020 stood at 109,035,343, a 1.63 percent increase from 100,981,437 in 2015 — or slower than the 1.72 percent uptick from 2010 to 2015.

An analysis of the National Statistician’s latest report deserves closer attention, especially in terms of its implications on the country’s growth prospects and the wellbeing of Juan de la Cruz.

First: Calabarzon, Metro Manila and Central Luzon are the most highly populated regions making up 38.6 percent of the country’s population. These three regions also contribute 14.8 percent, 31.8 percent, and 11.3 percent, respectively, or a total of 57.9 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP).

Indeed, a growing population creates an ever-expanding market and incentivizes fresh investments in new businesses and jobs creation, thereby enhancing these three regions’ high-growth profile.