Commission on Population and Development (CPD) urged couples to use family planning methods to promote maternal and child well-being, and to sustain the target fertility rate in Central Luzon.
Acccording to the latest report from the National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS 2022), the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in the region continues to decline from 2.4 in 2019 to 1.9 in 2022.
CPD Regional Director Lourdes Nacionales said the current data showed that Central Luzon is below the replacement fertility rate of 2.1 children per Woman of Reproductive Age.
She emphasized that the various initiatives of CPD and its partner-agencies contributed to the downward trend of TFR.
While the region has realized its goal to lower the fertility rate, Nacionales emphasized the continuous monitoring of areas with higher fertility rate, and promotion of contraceptive use to prevent unintended pregnancies.
“We are still on the lookout for some local government units (LGUs) in the region whose fertility rate is higher and those coming from the poorest of the poor areas,” she said.
Although there was an increase of traditional method users, data from NDHS 2022 showed lower contraceptive use, particularly of the modern methods, in Central Luzon compared to the national level.
With this, Nacionales encouraged couples to avail the family planning services offered by the government to improve their quality of life as they can invest more time in their kids, and prepare for their future needs and education.
Spacing and planning of pregnancies reduce health risks and promote the well-being of the mother and babies.
Moreover, Nacionales backed family planning in enhancing workforce participation and productivity, especially among women.
“When women can choose when and how many children to have, they are in a better position to pursue their professional goals, contribute to the labor market and drive economic growth,” she stated.
CPD will continue to collaborate with LGUs and its partner-agencies to implement programs and activities that heighten awareness on the importance and benefits of family planning. (PIA 3)
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