ACCORDING to estimates reviewed by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), the Philippines’ demographics may already be classified as a ‘aging’ population by 2030.
As reported by CPD Executive Director Lisa Bersales, the country’s population continues to rise, although slowly. Saying that there may be growth, but only in modest amounts.
“Sa amin pong pag-aaral, by 2030, pwede na tayong i-classify ng UN (United Nations) na ‘aging’ population. Ang ibig pong sabihin, ang ating mga 60 and above ay magiging seven percent of the population,” Bersales said on the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon program.
The term “aging population” refers to an increase in a population’s median age. The country’s population is aging as fertility rates continue to fall and life expectancy rises.
This demographic trend may lead to an increase in the number and proportion of people above the age of 65. That is why the CPD had already notified the authorities about the population issue.
“Kami po sa CPD, ina-alerto rin po namin ang mga kina-uukulan na kailangan na rin po natin magsimulang ayusin ang sitwasyon natin, dahil mas dadami ang ating senior citizen,” she said.
The reason, according to Bersales, was the COVID-19 Pandemic that occurred a few years ago. The pandemic has influenced the popular perception of individuals and families, who now choose to have fewer children or none at all.
“Naka-apekto talaga ang COVID-19, so kumonti ang kasal, tapos ‘yung mga kababaihan, medyo kumo-konti rin ‘yung nanganak,” the officer in charge of the CPD said.
“At saka isa pa po, dumami din ‘yung mortality natin, dumami po ‘yung namatay. Kaya ang projection ng populasyon ay medyo babagal sa pagdami,” she continued.
CPD also cited a research conducted by the United Nations Population Fund and the National Economic and Development Authority, which found that the country’s implementation of the K-12 program resulted in fewer pregnancy cases.
“Ang pagdagdag ng number of years sa pag-aaral, dumami ‘yung taon sa basic education, nagkaroon po ito ng epekto at naglessen din ang mga pregnancy kasi nga mas maraming taon nang nasa eskwelahan ‘yung ating kabataan,” she went on to say.
Meanwhile, the CPD previously stated that the country might reach 115 million by the end of 2023. However, it was proven invalid, as the overall estimate only reached 112 million, indicating a drop.
The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) also stated that the Philippine Statistics Authority plans to release its national population projections by the end of January.
