The population of the Cordillera is 1,797,660 as of May 1, 2020, the least among the 17 regions of the country. The Philippines has a total population of 109,033,245.
The latest population data was presented by Philippine Statistics Authority-Cordillera Director Villafe Alibuyog during the Regional Dissemination Forum for the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) last July 26.
Benguet has the most number of people with 460,683 followed by Abra with 250,985; Kalinga, 229,570; Ifugao, 207,498; Mountain Province, 158,200; and Apayao, 124,336.
Baguio City, the only highly urbanized city in Cordillera, has a population of 366,358 based on the 2020 CPH.
La Trinidad topped the 10 most populated municipalities in the Cordillera with 137,404 followed by Tabuk City, Kalinga with 121,033 then Itogon in Benguet with 61,498.
Also among the top 10 most populated municipalities are Bangued, Abra (50,382); Tuba, Benguet (48,312); Buguias, Benguet (44,877); Mankayan, Benguet (37,233); Pinukpuk, Kalinga (34,275), Alfonso Lista, Ifugao (34,061); and Bauko, Mountain Province (32,021).
The 2020 population is higher by 75,654 than the 2015 Census. It grew by an average of 0.91 percent in the past five years, which is lower than the 1.21 percent growth rate in 2010 to 2015.
Commission on Population-Cordillera Director Magdalena Abellera said the census streamlines the data needed for crafting better programs and in the delivery of appropriate services.
National Economic Development Authority-Cordillera Asst. Director Stephanie Christiansen, said the 2020 CPH will help economic planners and policy makers make better plans and programs for the development of people and the country.
Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc. Executive Director Maria Rosario Lopez affirmed the importance of information on population, saying demographics transform into dividend in terms of their work. – Carlito Dar
May 2, 2024
