The future is looking a lot brighter, and longer, for Filipinos. New demographic projections from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) show that average life expectancies across the country are set for a steady upward trajectory through 2035.
Aside from a temporary dip in 2021 caused by the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, prevailing national health and mortality trends indicate that future generations of Filipinos are expected to live significantly longer lives.
Back in 2020, male life expectancy at birth was recorded at 66.17 years compared to 73.26 years for females, leaving a notable 7.09-year lifespan advantage for women.
Fast forward to 2026, projections indicate male lifespans rising to 68.05 years and female lifespans reaching 74.60 years. While this marginally closes the gender gap to 6.55 years, women are still comfortably keeping their lead.
By 2035, the numbers continue their climb: average male lifespans are forecasted to hit 70.42 years, while female lifespans will stretch to 77.06 years. The resulting 6.64-year difference means the longevity gap between the sexes will remain mostly steady over the long haul.
Where you live also plays a big role in those longevity stats. The National Capital Region (NCR) is set to hold onto its title as the area with the highest male life expectancy through 2035, climbing from 72.09 years in 2020 up to 75.31 years. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) takes second place with projections moving from 71.65 to 74.95 years, while Cagayan Valley secures third, rising from 68.88 to 72.68 years over the same span.
On the lower end of the regional charts, SOCCSKSARGEN continues to record the lowest male life expectancy figures, though its numbers are still projected to grow from 61.79 years in 2020 to 66.68 years by 2035. BARMM follows closely with projections increasing from 61.94 to 66.81 years, while MIMAROPA is expected to see male lifespans climb from 62.82 to 67.56 years.
For women, NCR also takes the crown. The capital region posted the highest female life expectancy in 2020 at 79.42 years, followed by CAR at 78.94 years and Cagayan Valley at 76.15 years.
Looking ahead, Metro Manila’s female life expectancy is expected to hit 80.25 years in 2025, 81.17 years in 2030, and cross into 82.04 years by 2035. CAR is tracking right behind, with female lifespans projected at 79.80 years in 2025, 80.82 years in 2030, and 81.70 years by 2035.