Adreinne Mae G.

Losare
BA (Sociology-Management) III April 23, 2018

According to a report by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last September 2016, population
density in the Philippines has risen by 32 percent in the past 15 years. Philippine population density
rose to an average of 337 persons per square kilometer from 255 per sq. km in 2000. Metro Manila
also remains to be the most densely populated place in the with a population density of 19,988
persons living per sq. km. of land, which is 60 times higher than the density at the national level
whereas places like Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Puerto Princesa City are among
of the most sparsely populated areas in the country.

Population size and density is a problem in the Philippines, but only in highly urbanized areas like
Cebu and Metro Manila, since these places are the most densely populated areas in the country.
The reason for the rise in their population density varies among plenty of factors, one of which is
the migration of people from rural areas to urban areas in search of better opportunities or jobs.

2 years ago, with the presidential elections, at least 3 presidential and vice-presidential candidates
were pushing for a change in the Philippine system of government. The PDP-Laban party have
been extremely vocal in their support for Federalism, which is being championed by President
Rodrigo Duterte.

While the concept of a federal form of government has been adapted by countries such as the
United States, Canada, Brazil and Malaysia, the shift for us won’t be overnight. It has to be
adjusted to what our country needs, since every federal form of government varies per country.
The shift to federalism might also alleviate our country’s problems, especially with regards to
population size and density. Our current form of government is a unitary government,
administrative powers and resources are held by the Malacañang in Metro Manila. It is the
government that decides how to allocate these funds per region, per province and oftentimes, it
has been prone to abuse. Congresswoman Geraldine Roman once said that she had to say yes to
death penalty, since she feared that her constituents would be deprived of funding if she voted
against it. In a federal form of government, the regions will have the power and resources with
almost little or no influence from the national government.

In line with this, I believe that a federal form of government would be able to help solve the
problems in line with population density. Imperial Manila is densely populated because it is the

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Adreinne Mae G. Losare
BA (Sociology-Management) III April 23, 2018
seat of power. It has control of all the resources, and economic development has been mainly
centered there, while other regions lag behind. Through fiscal autonomy, these regions would have
more control of their resources, thus there will even distribution of the country’s wealth. This
would pave the way for economic development and the availability of jobs and more opportunities
in the provinces, thus lessening the need to migrate to Manila. The availability of jobs and the
continuous development of these regions may also entice those residing in Metro Manila to move
to the provinces.

Moreover, since these regions will have full control over their own funds, the creation of their
alternative sources of livelihood can be tailored to what their current population needs. This could
also pave the way for specialization of each region, wherein provinces like Bohol and Palawan
could develop their tourism and the national government could worry less about that and focus on
matters such as improving national defense, foreign relations, etc.

However, despite the fact a federal form of government could help alleviate the country’s problems
with regards to population size, density and population growth, it also has its clear disadvantages.
With the existence and influence of political dynasties in the country, there is a possibility that
corrupt regions would take advantage of this. It may also further entrench the power and
domination of these political dynasties in the country. Furthermore, it must be noted that some
regions in the country aren’t ready for autonomy. While the projection in a federal form of
government is that autonomy would allow economic development in all regions, some regions
may continue to lag behind due to lack of resources or populations.

Overall, I believe that, despite its disadvantages, with proper implementation and strict regulation
from the national government, a federal form of government would help alleviate the problems
related to population density and population growth. It will start with the decongestion of places
like Metro Manila and creating more sustainable industries and sources of livelihood fit for what
a specific population needs. However, we must continue to be wary of the consequences since
given the state of our nation, and the strength of political families in each region, full autonomy
over public funds may be prone to abuse.

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