The 2024 census marks a 3.4% increase since 2020, with the data now serving as the basis for budget allocations, policy planning, and local development programs.
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine population has officially reached 112,729,484 as of July 1, 2024, according to Proclamation No. 973 issued by Malacañang.
Signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the proclamation affirms the results of the 2024 Census of Population (POPCEN) conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) from July to September 2024. Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 72, census results only become official following a presidential declaration.
The new total reflects an increase of nearly 3.7 million people—or 3.4%—from the 109,035,343 recorded during the May 1, 2020 census.
Steady growth continues
The increase aligns with the country’s steady demographic expansion. Between 2015 and 2020, the average annual growth rate stood at 1.63%, according to previous PSA data.
While international agencies such as the United Nations and Worldometer projected the Philippine population at approximately 115.8 million by mid-2024, these are estimates based on modeling—not official census data. The PSA’s enumeration remains the definitive source for governance and planning.
Why it matters
The official population count plays a critical role in:
– National and local budget allocations, including Internal Revenue Allotments (IRA)
– Policy and infrastructure planning, especially in education, healthcare, and public services
– Legislative representation, such as the determination of congressional and local districts
Accurate population data is also used in disaster response, economic forecasting, and long-term development frameworks.
What to expect next
The PSA is expected to release disaggregated data in the coming months, detailing population counts by region, province, city, municipality, and barangay.
This will allow policymakers and researchers to examine:
– Urbanization trends, particularly in Metro Manila, which is projected to have nearly 15 million residents
– Age structure and dependency ratios, including working-age and elderly populations
– Inequities in public service access, helping target programs in health, housing, and education
The confirmation that the Philippines now has over 112.7 million residents marks a significant demographic milestone. It underscores the importance of responsive, data-informed policies to meet the evolving needs of a growing and dynamic population.
