Ilo?os norte: The total fertility rate in the Ilocos Region has decreased to 1.8 children per woman, down from 1.9 in 2022 and 2.6 in 2017, according to the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in Region 1.
According to Philippines News Agency, PSA Ilocos Region statistical specialist Kimberly Garcia explained during a forum that the total fertility rate represents the average number of children a woman would have by the end of her childbearing years, assuming current age-specific fertility rates remain constant. Analyzing the fertility preferences of currently married women aged 15 to 49 in the region, it was found that 41.1 percent no longer desire more children, while 18.4 percent wish to delay their next birth by at least two years. Additionally, 17 percent want another child within the next two years, 10.4 percent are sterilized, 8.6 percent are undecided, 2.5 percent declared themselves infertile, and 2.1 percent want more children but are unsure when.
Garcia noted a significant rise in the percentage of women who prefer not to have more children, from 2.5 percent in 2022 to 15.5 percent. Concurrently, the percentage of women who wish to limit childbearing to two children has decreased from 73.6 percent to 56.6 percent. There was also a decline in those wanting three children, from 86 percent to 74.6 percent, and four children, from 86.1 percent to 96.7 percent. Additionally, teenage childbearing among women aged 15 to 19 increased from 2.4 percent in 2022 to 3.7 percent in 2025.
Family planning practices in the region show that 36.5 percent of women, both married and unmarried, aged 15 to 49, use some form of family planning, while 67.5 percent of currently married women in the same age group use such methods.
Dr. Maria Velen Alanes-Joven, planning officer at the Commission on Population Development Ilocos Region, highlighted economic factors as significant influences on the declining fertility rate. She pointed out that the cost of childbearing and raising children, including childbirth expenses of around PHP100,000, deter many women from having more children. She also noted a trend among the youth towards owning pets instead of having children.
Joven emphasized that the declining fertility rate presents both opportunities and risks. The demographic shift creates a "window of opportunity" for economic growth, with more working-age adults and fewer dependents, allowing governments to invest more in education, health, and development rather than basic child support. However, she warned of the risk of premature aging if the fertility decline continues, leading to fewer workers and increased pressure on younger generations.
This demographic phase, known as the demographic dividend, offers a chance for accelerated economic growth due to a shift in population age structure. Joven stressed the importance of using this period wisely by investing in education, health, and productivity-enhancing activities to ensure economic stability and growth before the opportunity closes.
