MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) and partner organizations called for wider access to family planning and contraception as the Philippines recorded a historic-low fertility rate of 1.7 children per woman.
The groups made the call Thursday as the country observed World Contraception Day, which carries this year’s theme, “No barriers, just choices: Access to options, freedom to decide.”
CPD Deputy Executive Director Lolito R. Tacardon said the decline in fertility does not lessen the importance of family planning and responsible parenthood.
Tacardon said the focus should remain on helping women exercise their reproductive rights and make informed choices about whether, when and how many children to have.
The 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey showed that modern contraceptive use among currently married women increased to 44.5% from 41.8% in 2022.
However, the survey also showed persistent gaps in access. Unmet need for family planning among married women rose slightly to 12.5% in 2025, while the rate reached 48% among sexually active unmarried women.
Among women ages 15 to 49, pills remained the most commonly used modern contraceptive method at 11.6%, followed by female sterilization at 4.6% and injectables at 3.4%.
CPD identified myths and stigma, limited access to preferred contraceptive methods and a shortage of trained providers as continuing barriers.
CPD Undersecretary for Population and Development Lisa Grace Bersales said the government needs to improve access for people in poor, marginalized and geographically isolated communities.
The agency also noted that lower-income people and those with less education often face greater challenges in accessing reproductive health services and tend to have more children than they want. Male participation also remains low, with vasectomy prevalence at 0.08%.
The CPD also highlighted adolescent pregnancy, which it placed at 4.9% overall and 9.4% among the poorest households.
Forum for Family Planning and Development Vice President Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III said adolescents can face difficulties accessing reproductive health services even when clinics offer them. He also cited nearly 13,000 cases involving girls below 16 who faced possible statutory rape in 2024.
Perez also raised concerns over rising HIV cases among people ages 15 to 24, which he linked to declining awareness and persistent misconceptions about the infection.
PSRP Vice President Dr. Bernabe Marinduque said misinformation about hormonal contraception also continues to influence women’s decisions. He cited online claims linking hormonal methods to weight gain, depression, infertility, sexual dysfunction and cancer.
The Forum for Family Planning and Development called for sustained efforts to address reproductive health gaps and full implementation of the Reproductive Health Law, which passed nearly 14 years ago.
Forum President Dr. Corazon M. Raymundo said shifting political priorities and opposition from conservative groups continue to create challenges for vulnerable communities.
CPD said government agencies, local governments, schools, health providers, faith-based groups, civil society organizations, the private sector, communities and families must work together to expand access to family planning and reproductive health services.