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Logo of the Population and Development Commission.
MANILA, Philippines – The country’s population is estimated to skyrocket to 110,881,756 in 2021, the Population and Development Commission (Popcom) said on Wednesday, which is 1.45 percent higher compared to 109,480,590 previously. early 2020.
But the commission noted that the population outlook could still rise by 111.1 million due to unwanted pregnancies caused by national closures during the pandemic.
“Interestingly, it is estimated that women of reproductive age, ages 15 to 49, have the highest potential growth in number, an increase of approximately 337,193. This increase will boost the momentum of the population as more women are expected to give birth, ”the commission said in a statement.
“With the increasing proportion of Filipino women of childbearing age, there is a need to intensify actions to ensure their access to family planning information and services to prevent unplanned pregnancies, especially in the context of the pandemic,” he added.
Popcom, citing a report from the Population Institute of the University of the Philippines and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), revealed in June that around two million babies are expected to be born next year due to the current pandemic.
“This aspect also needs attention, as Filipino women must have healthy and safe pregnancies given the risks of COVID-19,” said Pérez. “We must also ensure that Filipinos’ aspirations of having two children on average are met, amid reductions in family planning services due to the pandemic.”
According to the commission’s data, teens ages 10 to 19 will only increase to 38,224 next year. However, Popcom said this age group will contribute a 21.04 percent increase in unwanted pregnancies. This means that around 102,000 unwanted pregnancies are expected in 2021 “as a result of reductions in family planning services induced by community quarantine.”
‘Persistent problems’
“Our country still has one of the highest population growth rates in ASEAN. There are still lingering issues that we all have to address as we enter a new decade: managing limited resources in the face of climate change, rampant internal migration leading to congestion in urban areas, as well as the disturbing rise in teenage pregnancies and teenagers. nationwide, among many others, “said the CEO of Popcom.
“A comprehensive approach that links government efforts with nongovernmental organizations and the private sector would still be needed, one that allows population programs like family planning to reach all communities in the 42,000 barangays across the country. We also urge our compatriots to do their part, as their family planning decisions will affect our communities, ”he added.
Popcom’s estimated figures for 2021 are based on geometric methods projections using the 2015 Population Census from the Philippine Statistics Authority.
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