EDITORIAL — Reason to hope

The country marks World Population Day today with a different issue in demographics: the total national fertility rate has fallen to a record low of 1.7 per woman.

This is a dramatic drop from the average rate of 4.1 children per woman recorded in 1993, and well below the replacement level of 2.1 that is needed for long-term population stability.

A smaller family size generally means more parental attention and care for the children. Spacing childbirth is also good for female reproductive health and allows mothers to pursue careers.

The fall in the total fertility rate was also accompanied by a substantial drop in teenage pregnancy, from a peak of 10.1 percent of women aged 15 to 19 bearing children in 2013, to just 4.8 percent in the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority and released in March this year. 

On the other hand, falling below the population replacement level in the long term will mean fewer people earning money, spending, saving and paying taxes. It could lead to a shortage of skilled workers and sources of innovation needed for national competitiveness and development.

The United Nations Population Fund has a deeper message, reflecting its theme for today’s special day: “realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people for their futures.”

Citing new evidence from its Demographic Futures Survey, the UNFPA said that most young people still see marriage and children as part of the future they hope to build. But they want stable employment and financial security before starting a family. The challenge is to provide the youth an opportunity to pursue both career and family, the UNFPA said.   

It noted that poverty, discrimination and harmful social practices deprive many young people of meaningful choices. Young women in particular are subjected to various forms of exploitation, economic insecurity and violence.

Young people must see that personal progress is attainable. They must have not only aspirations, according to the UNFPA, but also reason to hope.