Population growth takes its toll on forest resources

The country’s forest resources are dwindling by 119,000 hectares yearly and at this rate, the remaining forests will be depleted in 10 years if rapid population growth remains unchecked, the Commission on Population (Popcom) said.

"The population will continue to expand in years, but more than ever, this reality should encourage us to put more attention to our environment," said Popcom executive director Tomas Osias.

The current 76.5 million population of the Philippines shows a marked increase from the 1995 census of 68.6 million. With environmental resources being depleted steadily, the 1.7 million babies born yearly may not have enough to sustain their growth and development.

Osias said the country’s fertility rate of 3.7 children — or the average number of children per woman of reproductive age — and the population growth rate pegged at 2.36 percent a year are among the highest in the world. The global fertility rate average is 2.9 children.

Aside from resulting in low economic gains, particularly in food production, and demand for more food, schools and basic social services, the high population growth rate has exerted great pressure on the ecological balance as well.

The Philippines now faces the serious problems of continuing loss of forest cover, mangroves and coral reefs, silting of rivers and dams, air and water pollution and the depletion of aquifers and other sources of potable water.

An increasing number of people have been encroaching on upland areas to find relief from decreasing opportunities and productivity in the lowlands.

A growing coastal population — estimated at 40 million in 1995 — is also straining marine resources. Fishing methods that purportedly maximize fish yield such as dynamite and cyanide fishing and muro-ami have destroyed 95 percent of coral reefs, reducing the stock of fish.

These have contributed to the deterioration of the quality of freshwater bodies. Of the country’s 384 river systems, 40, including all in Metro Manila, have been declared biologically dead due to pollution.

In Metro Manila, the quality of tap water has declined, while air quality is among the worse in the world. Other urban centers are also experiencing increased industrial, gas and chemical emissions.

Existing waste management systems, on the other hand, are able to accommodate only 80 to 85 percent of the total volume of solid wastes.

Osias said Filipinos should learn to care for their environment by planning the size of their families and ensure adequate nutrition, health, education and care for their children.