Recent data reveal increasing preference for live-in arrangements among Filipino women, according to a recent study. 

Based on the study conducted by the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) with the Asian Center of Education, Research, and Training for Innovation (ACERT), most Filipino couples find cohabitation as more practical and beneficial arrangement in pursuing family and marital goals. 

But the same study also said couples still consider marriage as an "aspiration."                               

 The 2022 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) indicated that women aged 15-49 who are living together have gradually quadrupled within the span of three decades from 5% in 1993 to 19% in 2022.  

Another source, specifically the 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality (YAFS) Study showed that about 12% of the 20 million youth aged 15-24 are living in or cohabiting.

Filipinos delaying marriage, having children amid economic instability - CPD

Moreover, based on the civil registry and vital statistics of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the number of registered births declined by 7.8% in 2023 from its level in 2022.  Lastly, still based on the 2023 CRVS of PSA, the number of children outside marriage is at 842,728, as compared to 605,794 births from couples in formal union.

 The study found that many couples enter into cohabitation prior to marriage because of the following factors: 

1) living together is considered as manifestation of the next step of a committed relationship while waiting for the proper time to get married; 

2) parents prefer their children to cohabit especially when they are still at a young age; 

3) cohabitation is the practical means to morally and economically cope with unintended pregnancy; 

4) cohabitation is more economically practical to raise a family; 

5) cohabitation can help couples alleviate negative relationship with parents; 

6) formal marriage is expensive, cohabiting is less expensive; 

and 7) cohabitation is an arrangement taken in cases of couples with contradicting religion.

 From the men's perspective based on the study, cohabitation serves as the next stage in the relationship. Women, on the others hand, appreciate the romantic component of cohabitation during the actual setup.

 The study also showed that more family members are supportive to such arrangement. More often than not, couples usually seek the blessing of their parents to cohabit, it said. 

Another reason for their preference to a live-in arrangement is practicality. The couple is motivated to proceed to cohabitation as this would allow them to combine finances, share responsibilities, and continue their relationship. 

PSA: Median marriage age for Filipinos stands at 28-30

It also allows couples to contribute to the shared responsibility of child rearing, instead of only the female partner doing all the work related to taking care of their child. 

Modern couples also find it difficult to complete requirements to get married. Working on the requirements meant that they had to be absent from work to request or file documents in government agencies, which they would not be able to afford since absences mean a loss in income. 

The study also cited that social media also have a huge influence to couples. The women of the study shared that they have been exposed to social media messages that show the complexity of relationships and the difficulties of marriage. Thus, marriage becomes a cautionary tale for the participants because of social media.