Frank Jules Nueve

Demographic Profile

The Philippines is one of the most populous countries in the world. In 2000,
the countrys population was 75.3 million (NSBC, 2001) and it is projected to
increase to 82,636,689 in 2001 (National Health Objectives, 1999)
In 1999, the average life expectancy at birth was 68.6 years 71.28 for
females and 66.03 for males up from the 61.6 years in 1980. The countrys
population is very young. Thirty nine percent (39%) of the total population is very
young. Thirty nine (39%) of the total population in 1994 was estimated to be in the
0-14 age group. Only 5 percent (5%) were 60 years old and above. Given these
percentages, the dependency ratio was computed to be 79, that is, there are 79
people (0 to 14 years and 60 years old and above) who depend on 100 people in
the productive age group (15-59) (National Health Objectives).
There are about 249 people for every square kilometer of Philippine territory.
Metro Manila has highest population density (16,051) and CAR has the lowest (75)
(National Health Objectives)
The population in urban areas is increasing very rapidly. From 37% of the
total population in 1984 (UNICEF, 1989) the figure increased to 44% ten years later.
While the annual population growth rate in the urban areas is 3.49 per year (ESCAP)
The results of this phenomenal population increase in urban areas are
tremendous. The high population density facilitates the transmission of infectious
and communicable disease. The greater need for social services far outweighs the
ability of the government and the private sector to provide these services. The high
level of stress is highly congested areas leads to the disintegration of moral values
and social institution and contribute to the incidence of a number of health
problems, including mental health problem.