PHL to reach demographic 'sweet spot' in 2050 — UNFPA

As it continues to be hampered by the increasing fertility rate, the Philippines is still decades away from achieving the demographic sweet spot when the country will benefit from the earning capacity of a relatively young population,  experts saidon Thursday.

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) noted the country will ideally achieve that demographic dividend in 2050, 34 years from now.

The demographic sweet spot means the people who are working greatly outnumber the dependents – both young and old.

The country's dependents currently outweighs the working population.

The Philippines will achieve this by 2050 if the necessary changes are implemented now, Klaus Beck, the UNFPA country representative, told reporters on the sidelines of a briefing in Pasig City.

Beck said increased access to family planning is needed to address the country's high fertility rates and achieve the ideal demographic dividend.

"Increase access to family planning," he said.

By controlling population growth, experts noted the number of dependents would be controlled as well and allow more people to enter the labor market at a faster rate.

Beck said the Philippines must also fully implement the K to 12 program and increase the employment for the youth.

Citing a study by Dennis Mapa, a dean and professor at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, Beck said that from 2018 to 2025, the country's "best point in time" is expected to be reached from 2018 to 2025 when 48 percent of the population will support the remaining 52 percent. — VDS, GMA News