ILOILO City – Western Visayas is grappling with a shrinking population that could threaten its economic stability, prompting the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) to call for a strategic, people-centered response to turn the challenge into an opportunity for long-term growth.
“Yes, we should worry, but strategically,” DEPDev Region 6 said, stressing that the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) recognizes demographic shifts as both a risk and a potential driver of progress if addressed through targeted policies.
The agency said the PDP and the Regional Development Plan (RDP) 2023–2028 view population trends as central to sustainable development, underscoring the need to invest in human capital, adapt to an aging population, and maintain a productive workforce.
To stabilize population levels and mitigate the economic impact of declining birth rates, DEPDev is advocating four priority actions:
* empowering families through responsible parenthood programs and financial support;
* boosting youth opportunities via adolescent health programs, education, and skills training;
* strengthening preparations for an aging population with better social protection and age-friendly infrastructure; and
* ensuring balanced regional development to curb urban congestion, prevent rural depopulation, and attract working-age residents.
The agency pointed to existing government programs under the PDP designed to sustain population growth and address economic challenges, including the Trabaho Para sa Bayan (TPB) Plan 2025–2034 to create quality jobs, TESDA’s industry-linked training, continuous learning initiatives, technology adoption, workforce inclusion, and reintegration support for overseas Filipino workers.
Measures also target solo parents, early childhood care, family planning, and the Western Visayas Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Catch-Up Plan to reduce disaster- and accident-related deaths.
“The Western Visayas Regional Development Plan, which we are currently updating, not only respond to socioeconomic development but also rationalizes development of settlements towards sustainable economy. It takes into consideration the drivers of development, including physical resources, in its Regional Spatial Development Framework,” said DEPDev regional director Engr. Arecio Casing Jr.
“That is also espoused in Ambisyon Natin 2040 where every Filipino aims for matatag, maginhawa at panatag na buhay,” he added.
Roxanne Yap, Supervising Economic Development Specialist of DEPDev-6’s Policy Formulation and Planning Division, warned that an aging population and a shrinking workforce could undermine fiscal management.
“Investing in education, upskilling, and reskilling is essential. Even with a low population, a highly skilled and productive workforce can meet the needs of various industries. An aging population and a shrinking workforce can impact fiscal management. With fewer people paying taxes, there will be less funding available to support essential services for the aging population, which we need to provide assistance for. It’s crucial that we address these challenges proactively,” Yap said./PN
