Women in Central Visayas are increasingly choosing smaller families as fertility levels continue to decline below population replacement levels, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The region’s total fertility rate fell to 1.7 children per woman in 2025, down from 4.4 in 1993 and now below the replacement level of 2.1, based on findings presented during the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) dissemination.
The results were presented by Jessamyn Anne Alcazaren of the Provincial Statistical Office of Bohol, who said the sustained decline reflects changing reproductive preferences among women in the region.
The PSA said the survey was based on complete birth histories of women aged 15 to 49, including live births, pregnancy outcomes, and child survival data.
Age-specific fertility rates were also used to compute the total fertility rate.
Data showed that nearly half of currently married women in Central Visayas no longer want additional children, while others prefer to delay or limit pregnancies.
Teenage pregnancy was recorded at 3.3 percent among women aged 15 to 49, including those who have experienced birth, current pregnancy, or pregnancy loss.
In terms of family planning, 25.7 percent of women reported using any contraceptive method, rising to 47.8 percent among currently married women.
Oral pills remained the most commonly used method, followed by IUDs, injectables, implants, female sterilization, and male condoms.
However, contraceptive use declined compared with previous years. The PSA said usage among all women dropped from 36.2 percent in 2022 to 25.7 percent in 2025, while modern methods fell to 21 percent.
Among married women, contraceptive use also decreased from 60.8 percent to 47.8 percent over the same period.
The survey further showed that most women in the region are either married or living with a partner, while a significant share has reached at least junior or senior high school or some college education.
Health indicators showed relatively high access to maternal care, with 93.6 percent of births assisted by skilled personnel and 93.7 percent delivered in health facilities.
However, only 57.3 percent of women received antenatal care from skilled providers, while 76.6 percent had postnatal care within two days of delivery.
Child health data showed that about 80 percent of children aged 12 to 23 months were fully vaccinated for basic antigens, while 5.7 percent received no vaccinations.
The PSA also recorded childhood mortality rates of 12 neonatal deaths, 18 infant deaths, and 22 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births.
Officials said the findings will guide health, population, and development programs in Central Visayas, particularly in addressing gaps in reproductive health services and child welfare.
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