CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) – Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Central Luzon highlighted the current population situation in the country, citing the need for sustained family planning initiatives amid continuous population growth.
According to the 2022 official census, the population of the Philippines stood at 109 million. Five years later, estimates now place the total number of Filipinos at around 114 million.
In Central Luzon alone, CPD Regional Director Lourdes Nacionales shared that the region’s population has reached approximately 14.2 million, based on the latest available estimates.
“Our population has steadily grown over the years, and even if the growth rate has been gradually declining from 2.3 percent in the past years to around one something percent today, the base population is already high. Even one percent growth means adding over a million people nationwide each year.” Nacionales explained.
She emphasized that while the slowing growth rate is a positive sign, it is still critical to ensure that families are well-informed about responsible parenthood and have access to family planning methods.
CPD continues to monitor population trends as part of its advocacy for well-managed families and community development.
The agency reiterated the importance of using accurate data from the Philippine Statistics Authority to inform policies, especially at the local government level.
“The numbers may seem abstract, but they directly impact our planning and development. That’s why we need to act now by strengthening demand generation efforts, providing accurate information, and empowering families to make informed choices,” Nacionales added.
The agency further underscored that high population growth affects access to basic services such as education, health, nutrition, and employment, and that local leaders must integrate population and development in their governance strategies.
Nacionales said that CPD remains committed to building strong partnerships with local government units, national agencies, civil society, and the private sector to address population related challenges in Central Luzon and across the country. (MJSC/MAGP-PIA 3 GIP)
