PH marks drop in fertility rates

[Mike J]

Wow, that is a large drop in a relatively short time span. 

https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/11/18/public-square/ph-marks-drop-in-fertility-rates/1866790

THE Philippines recorded unprecedented population statistics unheard of in years, with fertility numbers plummeting to less than two offspring per woman, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

This was revealed during the PSA National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022 Dissemination Forum announced that the total fertility rate (TFR) of Filipino women 15 to 49 years old now stands at 1.9 children, from 2.7 children in 2017.

With the figure, the NDHS divulged that the country is already within the replacement fertility level of 2.1 children, or the fertility rate at which women give birth to enough babies to sustain population levels.

The survey also disclosed that the Philippines' TFR has been on a downward trend since the 1970s, which was at 6 children per woman. However, the decline from 2017 to 2022 was the sharpest ever recorded.

The same survey revealed that 1 in 2 currently married women said they no longer desire more children, while 17 percent want to delay their next childbirths for 2 or more years.

Demographic transition, opportunity: Commission on Population and Development Officer In Charge-Executive Director Lolito Tacardon said that the significant decline in the total fertility rate offers both an opportunity, as well as a challenge: "On one hand, this can be considered 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."

Tacardon further noted: "The Philippines' latest TFR is now comparable to those of upper-middle-income countries' 1.8 children and Thailand at 1.5 children. In the Asean region, the Philippines has now the third-lowest after Singapore's 1.1 children. It is lower than the Asian average of 2.2 and is comparable to Latin America's and the Caribbean's, which is at 2.0 children. The Philippines, however, has lower fertility levels than Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia."

[Dave Hounddriver]

Not just Philippines. Elon Musk says 'population collapse' is a bigger threat than climate change.  But that's just one billionaire's opinion. 

[Tommy T.]

All I can add to this is that it is not due to a lack of "fornication."

[Old55]

If it's true then Filipinos have finally figured out fewer children is a path out of poverty. 

On the other hand perhaps our forum members need to step up their game. 

[BrettGC]

Odd, given all the lockdowns etc... I wonder what else they were doing?  

[Freebie]

Back when FVR Ramos was President he appaointed a cabinet member whos job was to try to persaude people to have less kids. As a Protestant , Ramos could do this without raising the hackles of the " have more babies church " And during the years when Ramos was Pres, the annual rate at which the population grew decreased.

This result came about because the govt shared info about cost of more babies with the general population.

Thereafter Estrada and Gloria etc wanting to get into heaven ( lol ) never appointed such a person again especially after warnings from the "have more babies church " and didnt stop an explosive population growth. If you think this country is crowded and over populated now, imagine this country in 50 years time...

[JJReyes]

The data released is good news.  I would like to learn more information about income distribution.  Possibly the drop is from the emerging middle class and wealthier population.  The poor seems to keep have more children.

One program that appears to be working is free distribution of condoms on a massive scale similar to efforts in Thailand.  While male Filipinos don't like it, they are encouraging women to insist.  They have containers in male restrooms at bars and drinking establishment.  Even sari-sari stores located near schools and colleges discreetly distribute condoms to those in need.

 

[jimeve]

1 hour ago, BrettGC said:

Odd, given all the lockdowns etc... I wonder what else they were doing?  

Singing?

[Possum]

My wife wanted a tubal ligation after first child and was told by the doctor she couldn't get this procedure until after 2nd child unless there were extenuating circumstances involving health.

[Tommy T.]

1 hour ago, JJReyes said:

The poor seems to keep have more children.

I guess... what else is there to do? They can't afford TV, cable or internet entertainment? And, when young, no need for blue pills either?