Philippine population to grow 14.76 million in 15 years — PSA

Around 14.76 million people are expected to be added to the Philippines’ total population in the next 15 years to reach 123.96 million by 2035, with Calabarzon remaining the most populous region, data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed.

The PSA projects the country’s total population to grow by an average of 0.85% annually from 2020 to 2035, from 109.2 million recorded in 2020.

Calabarzon — made up of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon — is estimated to hit 19.07 million in 2035, followed by the National Capital Region (NCR) with 14.49 million, and Central Luzon with 14.02 million.

The smallest population is expected in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) with 2.13 million.

“Certain regions are anticipated to see a steady increase in their population growth rates over this period. This includes the Bicol Region, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Soccsksargen, BARMM, and Caraga,” the PSA said.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is projected to post a notable acceleration in its growth rate to 1.79% in 2030 to 2035 from 1.62% in 2020 to 2025.

“On the other hand, several regions are projected to experience a continued decline in their growth rates. NCR, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Northern Mindanao are all expected to see a decrease in average population growth over time,” the PSA said.

The NCR’s average annual growth rate is projected to drop to 0.40% in the 2030 to 2035 period from 0.53% in 2020 to 2025, while regions like CAR, Ilocos, MIMAROPA, Central Visayas, and Davao are expected to experience fluctuating growth rates.

In terms of provinces, several are expected to have population of over 3 million by 2030 — Cavite with 5.303 million, Bulacan with 4.168 million, Rizal with 3.881 million, Cebu with 3.833 million, Laguna with 3.724 million, Pangasinan with 3.292 million, and Batangas with 3.089 million.

Quezon City will remain the largest highly urbanized city (HUC) with 2.918 million, followed by the cities of Davao with 2.040 million, Manila with 1.901 million, Caloocan with 1.707 million, Taguig with 1.516 million, and Zamboanga with 1.153 million.

Antipolo, Rizal is poised to have the highest population among the cities with 986,800 by 2030, backed by San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan with 801,500; Dasmariñas, Cavite with 719,000; Bacoor, Cavite with 716,700; and Imus, Cavite with 697,000.

For municipalities, Rodriguez, Rizal will lead the pack with 592,500; followed by Taytay, Rizal with 440,700; Tanza, Cavite with 4431,600; Cainta, Rizal with 395,500; and Silang, Cavite with 342,900.

Males are expected to account for 50.5% with 62.64 million, and females with 49.5% or 61.32 million, resulting in a sex ratio of 102 males for every 100 females.

“By 2030, 55 provinces and 11 HUCs in the Philippines are anticipated to exceed the national average sex ratio, reflecting a greater number of males per 100 females in these areas,” the PSA said.

These include Batanes with a 114 sex ratio; Ifugao, Palawan, Quirino, Mountain province, Eastern Samar, Bukidnon, and Nueva Vizcaya with 108; and Agusan del Sur, Sarangani, Occidental Mindoro, and Benguet with 107; Davao de Oro, Apayao, Davao Occidental, Surigao del Sur, and Samar with 106.

In terms of HUCs, the highest sex ratio is expected in Mandaue with 108, followed by Tacloban with 106; Muntinlupa, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, and Lapu-Lapu with 104; and San Juan, General Santos, Isabela, Valenzuela, and Butuan with 103. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News