A Commission on Population and Development (CPD) study found that more Filipino women aged 15-49 now prefer cohabitation over marriage, with live-in rates rising from 5% in 1993 to 19% in 2022.
Economic factors, shifting social norms, and parental acceptance contribute to this trend, as couples see it as a practical step before marriage.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) also reported that 842,728 children were born outside of marriage in 2023, compared to 605,794 from married couples.
Many couples view cohabitation as a way to handle unintended pregnancy, financial stability, and religious differences.
Despite this, the CPD noted that cohabiting relationships tend to result in more pregnancies and children.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 7, 2025
