Sixteen births per thousand population

In 2023, the province of Davao del Norte registered 17,100 live births, corresponding to a crude birth rate (CBR) of 15.9, or approximately 16 births per thousand population.

Over the past five years, registered live births have declined by 26.2 percent, from 23,178 in 2019 to 17,100 in 2023. A slight decrease of 0.7 percent was observed in 2023 compared to the 17,223 registered live births in 2022. (Figure 1)

On average, 47 babies were born daily, equating to about two (2) births per hour.

Figure 1. Registered Live Births in Davao del Norte, 2019 to 2023

Source: Philippine Statistic Authority

More males were born than females

Of the total registered live births, more males were born than females, with 8,932 male births accounting for 52.2 percent and 8,168 female births making up 47.8 percent. As a result, the sex ratio at birth in the province was 109 males per 100 females. (Figure 2)

Highest occurrence of births recorded in the City of Tagum

In 2023, the City of Tagum recorded the highest number of live birth occurrences, accounting for 48.8 percent. This was followed by the municipalities of Carmen, with 17.5 percent, and Kapalong, with 16.2 percent. By usual residence of mother, the City of Tagum still recorded the highest number of live births accounting for 26.9 percent. This was followed by the City of Panabo, with 18.9 percent, and Island Garden City of Samal, with 11.1 percent. (Figure 3)

Figure 3. Percentage Distribution of Registered Live Births by City/Municipality of Place of Occurrence and by Usual Residence of Mother, Davao del Norte: 2023

Source: Philippine Statistic Authority

January recorded the greatest number of registered births

In 2023, most registered births occurred in January with 1,560 births, accounting for 9.1 percent of the total in the province. It was followed by the months of September and October with both having approximately 8.9 percent of the total registered births. On the other hand, the month of June had the least number of births contributing only 7.4 percent to the total. (Figure 4)

Figure 4. Number and Percent Share of Registered Live Births by Month of Occurrence, Davao del Norte: 2023

Majority of birth deliveries were medically attended

Of the total registered live births in the province of Davao del Norte, 96.6 percent were attended by health professionals, such as physicians, midwives, or nurses. In contrast, 2.9 percent of births were delivered by traditional birth attendants. (Figure 5)

The high proportion of births attended by health professionals, whether by place of occurrence or the mother’s usual residence, reflects improvements in maternal and child health care services in the province.

Majority of births delivered in health facilities

In 2023, 94.8 percent of total live births occurred in  health facilities such as hospitals, birthing clinics, lying in centers, outpatient care centers, specialized care centers, or similar facilities. Only 3.4 percent of total births were delivered at home, and 1.8 percent were delivered in other locations. (Figure 6)

Majority of babies were born to mothers aged 25-29 years old

In 2023, majority of registered births were born to mothers aged 25 to 29 years old, with 4,524 births, accounting for 26.5 percent of the total. However, babies born to adolescent mothers those younger than 20 years old recorded 2,062 births, accounting 12.1 percent. (Figure 7)

MICHELLE O. MANINGO

(Supervising Statistical Specialist)
Officer-in-Charge

RKC