Why is it that the Philippines, in contrast to other neighboring countries, suffers from a demographic onus (having a large share of young dependents relative to workers) instead of enjoying a demographic bonus (larger share of workers aged 15-64 relative to young dependents aged 0-14)? Herrin, in this Notes, claims that it is because of the lack of stable consensus that has characterized the Philippine government's policy on population growth and fertility reduction since the 1970s until today. This lack of policy consensus has, in turn, slowed down Philippine fertility transition.
What can be done to address this? Herrin expounds further in this Notes.
