MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines recorded a total of 1,448,522 live births in 2023, with a crude birth rate (CBR) of 12.8 or about 13 births per thousand population, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). 

This marks a 17.2 percent decrease in live births over the last decade, down from 1,748,857 in 2014. 

The latest figures also show a slight decline of 0.5 percent compared to 1,455,393 live births in 2022.

On average, PSA reported that around 3,969 babies were born each day, translating to 165 births per hour or nearly 3 births every minute.

In terms of gender distribution, more males were born than females in 2023, with 753,332 male births, representing 52 percent of the total, compared to 695,190 female births, or 48 percent. This results in a sex ratio of 108 males for every 100 females.

PSA also said that CALABARZON recorded the highest number of live births, accounting for 14 percent of the national total. This was followed by the National Capital Region (12.5 percent) and Central Luzon (11.5 percent). 

These three regions contributed 37.8 percent of all births in 2023, roughly translating to two in every five babies born nationwide. Geographically, 57.5 percent of live births occurred in Luzon, while 18.2 percent were recorded in the Visayas, and 24.3 percent in Mindanao.

Seasonal birth patterns

Monthly trends revealed September as the month with the highest number of births, recording 134,307 births or 9.3 percent of the annual total. It was followed closely by January (9.2 percent) and October (9.1 percent). In contrast, June had the fewest number of births, contributing only 7.7 percent to the yearly total. On average, September saw approximately 4,477 daily births, while June recorded 3,705 births per day.

Healthcare access

According to the statistics bureau, healthcare professionals accounted for the majority of childbirth attendance in 2023, with 95.2 percent of births assisted by health professionals. 

Among them, 70 percent were attended by physicians, while 23.6 percent were handled by midwives. However, 4.5 percent of deliveries were assisted by traditional birth attendants (hilot). 

While 14 regions reported over 90 percent of births attended by medical professionals, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) reported a lower percentage, with only 71.3 percentof births medically attended.

When it comes to delivery locations, PSA said 94.1 percent of births occurred in health facilities, including hospitals, birthing clinics, and similar centers. Meanwhile, 5.3 percent of deliveries took place at home, and 0.6 percent were recorded in other locations.