The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) announced today that the trend of fewer couples getting married is not new. According to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of registered marriages in the country has steadily declined over the past decade, from 429,723 in 2014 to 371,825 in 2024.

CPD Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales said the decline in formal marriage is attributed to several factors, including the growing independence of women and increasing divorce rates. Bersales explained that women are increasingly delaying marriage and pursuing higher education and careers. This shift is also driven by cultural and social changes, as more couples opt for cohabitation over formal marriage.

The CPD also cited an increase in the number of women in the workforce as a contributing factor to the decline in marriages. With more women pursuing careers and financial independence, they are less reliant on marrying for financial security. Bersales noted that the trend is not limited to urban areas and is observed across the country.

According to the PSA data, the decline in registered marriages has been consistent across all regions in the Philippines. The National Capital Region (NCR) saw the largest decline, with a 15.1% decrease in registered marriages between 2014 and 2024. Other regions, including the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), also experienced significant declines.

The trend has significant implications for family planning and social services in the Philippines. Bersales noted that the decline in marriages is contributing to a decrease in family planning and reproductive health services. The Philippine government has implemented several initiatives to address the issue, including the provision of family planning services and support for couples opting for alternative family forms.

The CPD will continue to monitor the trend and work with other government agencies to address the underlying causes. Bersales emphasized that the decline in marriages is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach.

Key Facts:

  • The number of registered marriages in the Philippines has declined by 13.5% over the last decade.
  • The number of registered marriages in the National Capital Region (NCR) decreased by 15.1% between 2014 and 2024.
  • The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) experienced significant declines in registered marriages.
  • The Philippine government has implemented several initiatives to address the decline in marriages, including the provision of family planning services and support for couples opting for alternative family forms.
  • The CPD will continue to monitor the trend and work with other government agencies to address the underlying causes.