Several groups call for focus on reproductive rights, human capital investment

On World Population Day, several groups noted that the decline in the country's fertility rate is an opportunity to formulate programs directed at promoting gender equality and human capital investment.

The Commission on Population and Development (CPD),  the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD) put forward the issues in a meeting held  in Manila on Tuesday.

“Currently, the Philippines is at a unique crossroads with its changing demographics. As the country is undergoing a demographic transition, the country will need to work towards demographic resilience: the quality or state of being able to adapt and thrive amid demographic changes,” UNFPA Philippines representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane said.

The group said, in a statement, that the declining fertility rate in the country can be deemed as an opportunity to have a productive population with proper investments and policy decisions.

“The demographic dividend can be a powerful force. In order to reap its benefits, we need to ensure the rights of people — especially those most left behind — and provide access to quality education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. We need to also address gender inequality and other injustices that limit people from reaching their full potential,” Joudane added.

According to the 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey, the total fertility rate for 15 to 49 year-old women has declined from 2.7 children in 2017 to 1.9 children in 2022, which is now below the replacement level of 2.1.

Fertility rates vary in the different regions in the country. In Manila, the total fertility rate is 1.2 while BARMM’s total fertility rate is at 3.1.

“We should be asking the right questions. It’s not whether the fertility rate is too high or too low or if there are too many or too few people. What is important is that all individuals, especially women, are equipped to thrive and exercise their basic human right to sexual and reproductive autonomy,” Joudane said. — Jiselle Casucian/BAP, GMA Integrated News