MANILA – The average number of children Filipino women are expected to have over their lifetime has declined to a record-low 1.7, according to key findings of the 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) released by the Philippine Statistics Authority on Monday.

The total fertility rate (TFR) marks a significant drop from 4.1 children per woman recorded in 1993.

The decline is more pronounced in urban areas, where fertility fell to 1.5, compared to 2.0 in rural areas.

The 2025 NDHS, the 13th survey conducted since 1968, gathered data from nearly 30,000 women aged 15 to 49 to assess the country’s health and development indicators.

“The information collected is intended to assist policymakers and program managers in evaluating strategies that aim to improve the health and development of Filipinos,” the report stated.

Among regions, Calabarzon recorded the lowest fertility rate at 1.3, followed by the National Capital Region and Negros Island at 1.4 each.

In contrast, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao posted the highest rate at 2.4, followed by Zamboanga Peninsula at 2.3 and Caraga at 2.2.

The survey also showed disparities based on socio-economic status. Women in the poorest households have an average of 2.8 children, compared to 1.1 among those in the wealthiest group. Those with only primary education recorded a TFR of 3.1, while women with higher educational attainment had lower fertility rates.

Teenage childbearing also declined to its lowest level on record, with 4.8 percent of women aged 15 to 19 having begun childbearing, down from 10.1 percent in 2013.

Despite the drop, teenage pregnancy remains higher in rural areas at 5.8 percent, compared to 4.2 percent in urban areas. Zamboanga Peninsula recorded the highest incidence at 9.3 percent.

The report also noted improvements in maternal and child health indicators. Facility-based deliveries rose to 93.7 percent in 2025 from 88.4 percent in 2022, while births attended by skilled health professionals increased to 93.6 percent.

Child health indicators also improved, with under-five mortality declining to 22 deaths per 1,000 live births. Around 77.1 percent of children aged 12 to 23 months received complete basic immunization, up from 69.9 percent in 2017, while 78.3 percent of children aged 24 to 59 months were found to be developmentally on track.

The use of modern contraceptives among married women reached 44.5 percent in 2025. Pills remained the most commonly used method at 11.6 percent, followed by sterilization at 4.6 percent.

The public sector was identified as the primary provider of long-term contraceptive methods such as implants and intrauterine devices, while the private sector accounted for most of the supply of pills and condoms.

On safety, the survey showed a decline in spousal violence, with 15 percent of women reporting physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from an intimate partner, down from 17.5 percent in 2022.

However, the report flagged a rise in the number of mothers who believe physical punishment is necessary for child discipline, increasing to 18.3 percent from 11.9 percent three years ago.