The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) says the Philippines’ declining fertility rate may make the population more manageable and offers an opportunity for the government to improve the quality of the workforce. Speaking in Mandaluyong City during a forum, CPD Deputy Executive Director Lolito Tacardon said that lower fertility affects the future labor force by reducing the growth of available human resources. He said this trend does not automatically mean the situation is a problem, emphasizing that it can be treated as a chance to adjust policies and invest in workforce quality. The CPD’s remarks link demographic change to long-term planning needs, suggesting that as fertility declines, the focus can shift toward strengthening skills, productivity, and overall readiness of working-age Filipinos. The statements reflect the CPD’s view that demographic indicators can be managed through government action to support sustainable development and labor outcomes. The articles present the same core message, with both noting CPD’s characterization of declining fertility as both a factor influencing labor force size and an opportunity for policy response.