Update on fertility in the Philippines.

PIP: The 1986 Contraceptive Prevalence Survey provided an update on fertility in the Philippines. Among the major findings, it was noted that there was a decline on the national level in the number of births per 1000 population, and that overall total fertility rates, nationally and regionally, continued to decline, despite increases in several regions. Nationally, rural and urban age-specific fertility rates reflected a downward trend as well. However, rising age-specific fertility rates in most age groups were found in many rural regions. Cumulative fertility also remained high among women aged 40 to 49 years with around 6 children. Cumulative fertility among other age groups followed only a slight downward trend. Contraceptive prevalence increased between 1983 and 1986 regardless of the number of living children. Fertility differentials included age, maternal education, and occupational status.^ieng

The Philippines: population trends and dilemmas.

National and regional variations in population growth rates, age and sex composition, fertility and mortality measures, the numbers in the working age population and population distribution are described and their implications for future development outlined. The prospects for the next 20 years indicate a continuation and even exacerbation of regional imbalances in terms of birth, death, and migration rates with the Mindanao area turning out to be the most demographically disadvantaged of the 3 island groups. The policy makers will have to take account of current and projected numbers of people in the planning process if they wish to improve the welfare of each and every Filipino.

Population and employment in selected countries bordering the Pacific.

PIP: This study is concerned with the dynamics of labor force composition in selected countries bordering the Pacific. The estimates presented are based on national definitions of urban and rural places and of the labor force and are derived primarily from published U.N. data. Variations in labor force composition and in urbanization levels by country are discussed. Countries considered include Canada, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Nicaragua, Peru, the Philippines, and the United States.^ieng

East Asia review 1978-79. The Philippines.

PIP: A number of evaluation projects and demographic surveys were undertaken by the government during 1978-80, aimed at strengthening family planning and other population programs. A bill to strengthen the program was introduced in the National Assembly which would, among other things, amend the tax structure to discourage families from having more than 3 children. Governmental structures were also revised to give the population program a more direct voice and to make way for integration of population with development programs and policies. A number of community development projects were underway, including one stressing self help in identifying needs for family planning, nutrition, and sanitation, and one integrating family planning, parasite control and nutrition. Results of the various surveys indicated a total population of 47.1 million in 1979, with the crude birth rate at 31.9 per 1000 (compared with 39.3 per 1000 in 1970). Total fertility declined by 2.48% annually and marital fertility by 1.25% annually from 1970 to 1977. Distribution of contraceptives through both stationary clinics and a community outreach program continued, and a comparison of a number of surveys revealed a higher level of contraceptive practice than had previously been anticipated, with a substantial increase in practice beginning in 1977. Increasing age at marriage, decline in fertility, a preference for smaller families, and extensive knowledge of contraception were among positive trends uncovered during the period, but a discouraging finding is also noted: a low level of practice of the more efficient methods. Duration of breastfeeding was the most important factor in determining the length of pregnancy interval.^ieng

East Asia review, 1976-7: Philippines.

PIP: The Philippines 5-year plan (1978-1982) and 10-year plan are developed to deal with health, nutrition, and family planning. Program funding has increased 30% from 1976 to $11,468,915 for 1977. The POPCOM (Commission on Population) has included a Secretary of Local Government and Community Development to continue the transition from clinic-based services to outreach workers who contact individual couples. The 5-year plan uses the 1976 estimates of 36.6/1000 as the birth rate and 10.6/1000 as the death rate for the projected per annum increase, which was 2.78% for the 1970-1975 period. New family planning acceptors have increased for female sterilizations from 38,000 to 56,000. The IUD rates are essentially unchanged, but acceptors of rhythm, the pill (373,000 continuous users), the condom (219,000 current users), and male sterilization have declined.^ieng

How parents view children and vice versa.

PIP: 1345 respondents representing 6 municipalities of the Laguna Lake Area, Philippines were interviewed in an effort to compare the values of children as perceived by different respondent groups: youth (7-21 years and unmarried); couples married for 2 years at the most; couples at the peak of childbearing (female between the ages of 20-34); women in the menopausal age group (age 45 and older); and grandparents. The following were among some of the findings: 1) 8 of 10 youths were against having additional siblings, whereas 9 of 10 newly married couples wanted more children; 2) more than 1/3 of those at the peak of childbearing wanted more children in contrast to 5% in the menopausal group; 3) more than 4/5 of the grandparents no longer wanted to have more children; 4) the average number of desired children ranged from 2.5 children for those newly married to 4 for those 45 years old and older; 5) over 1/2 of all types of respondents (except newlyweds) wanted their 1st child to be a boy; and 6) many respondents in all age groups had no objections to the mothers working as long as adequate child care arrangements were made for the children.^ieng

Female labour force participation and fertility.

PIP: The levels of labor force participation by women in selected Asian countries were recorded in a series of censuses taken over a period of years. These levels were less influenced than male employment levels by economic conditions and more influenced by cultural traits of the country. Postwar trends seem to have fallen in Korea, risen in Singapore and the Philippines, and remained steady in Japan, Malaya, and Thailand. The limitations of these data are mentioned. In Thailand and West Malaysia greater percentages of women worked in agricultural than non-agricultural employment; in the Philippines, where women did not work so much in agricultural pursuits, their jobs were still in traditional rather than in development industries. In the cities of Bangkok, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur, fertility was lower for working than for non-working women. In rural agricultural areas, the fertility of working women was minimally higher, probably due to economic need of lar ger families. It is concluded that urban life separates the employment and the family roles of working women, leading to lowered fertility; this does not occur in rural areas. The creation of new roles for women alternative or supplementary to marriage and motherhood would result in lowered fertility. In high fertility Asian countries, policies directed toward greater participation of women in non-agricultural work and great er exposure to an urban lifestyle might achieve fertility reductions.^ieng

East Asia Review, 1973. 6. Philippines.

PIP: In 1973, the Philippine population program was reorganized, and new strategies for motivating clients and training personnel were developed. The Woman and Child Labor Law was amended to limit maternity leave benefits, promote family planning services, and remove discrimination against married female employees. The Board of the Commission on Population (POPCOM) was expanded to include 2 members from the private sector. Over 740,000 acceptors were recorded by the 2032 reporting clinics. The monthly average number of acceptors per clinic, however, fell from about 36 in January to 30 in December. All graduating students in high schools, universities, and teacher training institutions throughout the country were required to take seminars in population education during 1973. Regional officers were designated in the 11 administrative regions of the country to coordinate family planning activities at this level. In 1973, POPCOM established a Planning Division to replace the Population Evaluation and Research Division. Total assistance to the national family program for calendar year 1973 was approximately US$10 million of which 26% was contributed by the Philippine government. Other funds came from USAID (55%), the United Nations Development Program (6%), and other donors (13%). The UNFPA agreed to contribute a maximum of $5 million over a 5-year period to program projects.^ieng