CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) reaffirmed that Central Luzon’s slower yet steady population growth presents an opportunity for both local and national governments to implement smarter and people-centered development strategies.
Data from the 2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) showed that Central Luzon’s population reached 12.9 million, reflecting an increase of 566,902 from the 12.42 million recorded in 2020.
With this, the region ranks as the third most populous region in the country, following CALABARZON with 16.93 million and the National Capital Region with 14 million.
Despite this increase, the region’s annual population growth rate (PGR) has slowed to 1.08 percent, slightly above the national average of 0.80 percent, signaling a broader regional demographic shift toward slower population expansion.
CPD Central Luzon Regional Director Lourdes Nacionales stressed that the moderated growth rate should not be viewed as a setback, but as an opportunity for focused investments in health, education, and skills development.
“These census results call for a recalibration of population programs to ensure they remain community-based and development-oriented. Our growing but slowing population demands strategies that empower people—not just count them,” she said.
Nacionales attributed the steady growth to a combination of factors such as declining fertility, internal migration, and urbanization, especially in rapidly developing areas like Bulacan, ClarkFreeport Zone, and the Freeport Area of Bataan, which likewise continues to fuel regional growth.
While the census presents opportunities, CPD also noted emerging challenges as some areas in the region experience decline in population like the municipalities of General Mamerto Natividad in Nueva Ecija, and Masantol and Sta. Rita in Pampanga, which recorded negative population growth rates.
The director said this challenge underscores the need for targeted, localized policy responses to address rural outmigration, aging populations, and economic stagnation in specific areas.
Despite that, Nacionales cited that the rising working-age population in Central Luzon could help maximize the demographic dividend through provision of jobs and essential social services.
At the national level, CPD calls for the alignment of local government strategies with national policies under the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023–2028.
These include improving access to reproductive health and family planning, investing in rural development to reduce migration pressures, preventing early and unintended pregnancies, and promoting active and healthy aging.
At the regional level, Nacionales said that as Central Luzon continues its trajectory of growth at a more sustainable and strategic pace, policymakers, planners, and local leaders should use the 2024 POPCEN data as a foundation for inclusive and forward-looking governance.
“This census is not just about numbers. It’s a tool for building smarter, more responsive governance at every level—from the barangay to the region,” she said.
She furthered that with the right policies and investments in place, Central Luzon is well-positioned to turn its demographic momentum into long-term, inclusive growth that benefits every Filipino in the region. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)
