I never thought I would see the day when the Philippines would face a problem that seemed so foreign, so distant from our shores. The dwindling population was something we often associated with countries like Japan and South Korea—nations struggling with an aging society and shrinking workforce. It felt like their problem, not ours. Yet, here we are, slowly but surely inching toward the same demographic cliff.
The evidence of this can be somehow seen in our schools: the decreasing number of students in nurseries, kindergartens, and grade levels onward is telling us a story that we have perhaps been too preoccupied to notice. As I browse the records of some schools, I can’t help but notice this. Gone are the days when parents would line up with their little ones, eager to begin a new school year. Teachers, once overwhelmed by bustling classrooms, now find themselves with fewer students to manage. The impact is not just confined to a few classrooms; it is systemic, cutting across various levels of education. Some schools are even merging classes or closing certain grade levels altogether due to a lack of enrollees. This trend is alarming because it’s not just a statistic—it’s a glimpse into our future as a society.
The reasons behind this decline are complex but undeniable. Many young Filipinos today are prioritizing their careers over starting a family. And who could blame them? The rising cost of living, housing, and education makes the idea of raising children daunting, if not downright impossible, for some. I have friends who have chosen to delay marriage or opt out of parenthood altogether, not because they don’t love children but because they want financial stability and personal fulfillment first. They often say, “Maybe later,” but as the years go by, “later” becomes more uncertain.
Even for those who do decide to marry, the mindset around family size has shifted dramatically. Unlike previous generations where having a big family was almost a given, many couples now intentionally limit the number of children they have. One or two seems to be the norm, a conscious decision driven by a desire to provide a better quality of life for a smaller brood. I see it in my family circles—relatives who once dreamed of large families now settle for just one child, focusing their resources and attention on raising them in the best possible way.
Compounding the issue is the fact that a significant portion of our population now embraces diverse gender orientations that do not traditionally result in childbirth. This is not a criticism but an acknowledgment of a societal shift. More people are openly identifying as LGBTQ+, and many are choosing to build their lives in ways that do not involve having children. It’s a celebration of individual freedom and love, yet it also subtly contributes to the overall decline in our birth rate.
The consequences of this demographic shift may not be immediately visible, but they are brewing just beneath the surface. Teachers, a once highly sought-after profession, are finding fewer students to teach. Schools are struggling to fill classrooms, and some are even forced to shut down certain grade levels due to insufficient enrollment. The ripple effects extend beyond education; they touch every aspect of our society. A dwindling population means a shrinking workforce, fewer taxpayers, and eventually, a heavier burden on social services as the population ages.
If we continue on this path, we will find ourselves facing challenges we are not prepared for. An aging population without enough young people to support it can lead to economic stagnation, increased healthcare costs, and a diminished quality of life for everyone. We must begin to have honest conversations about this issue—not to shame anyone’s personal choices but to understand and address the broader implications of a shrinking population.
The question that haunts me is this: How do we balance the dreams and aspirations of the individual with the needs of society as a whole? There are no easy answers, but acknowledging the problem is the first step. The dwindling number of students in some classrooms is a silent alarm bell ringing in the background. We can choose to ignore it, or we can start thinking about what kind of future we want for the Philippines—and what we are willing to do to ensure it is a bright one.
