Manila: The Philippines is entering a 'demographic sweet spot,' with projections indicating an increasing share of working-age Filipinos poised to drive economic growth, provided that government planning and investments are properly aligned, an official from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) stated on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace Bersales discussed in an interview on Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon how the country's population will continue to expand. However, the demographic structure is expected to shift towards a larger labor force over the next 15 years, offering opportunities for development.

Bersales highlighted that while the overall population will continue to rise, the proportion of the working-age population-those aged 15 to 64-will increase, with projections reaching about 70 percent compared to the current 64 percent. This shift necessitates a recalibration of government priorities, moving from a predominant focus on child-centered services to employment generation, skills development, and job matching for the expanding working-age demographic, while still maintaining investments in education and nutrition.

The demographic shift suggests that the government must prioritize creating quality and appropriate jobs for those aged 15 to 64, enabling them to contribute effectively to the Philippines' economic development. Bersales also noted the importance of expanding services for a growing number of senior citizens, particularly in healthcare and social protection.

Regarding population management, Bersales reiterated that the country's policy is human-rights based and non-coercive, emphasizing the provision of accurate information and access to family planning services rather than dictating family size. She described the demographic sweet spot as a favorable situation for the country, with a larger working-age population presenting significant economic potential.