Total Population declines at a rate of -0.38 percent annually

Based on the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (2020 CPH), the municipality of Pugo, La Union recorded a total population of 19,337 persons as of 01 May 2020. This translates to decrease of 353 persons compared with the total population of 19,690 persons in the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN). (Figure 1)

Population decreases by 4 persons per year for every 1,000 persons

The decrease in the population count of the municipality of Pugo, La Union from 2015 to 2020 translated to an average annual population growth rate (PGR) of -0.38 percent, this means that about 4 persons were deducted per year for every 1,000 persons in the population. (Figure 2)

The annual PGR was lower at 3.40 percent during the period 2010 to 2015 and at 2.08 percent during the period 2000 to 2010.

If the average annual PGR recorded at -38 percent during the period 2015 to 2020 continues, the population of Pugo, La Union would be doubled in 184 years.

Sixty years ago, the population of Pugo, La Union was only 5,484 persons. This population size is more than one-fourth of the population of the municipality in the 2020 CPH.

Cares remains as the most populous barangay in 2020 in the Municipality

Among the 14 barangays of Pugo, La Union, Cares was the most populous with a population size making up 14.00 percent of the total population of the total municipal population. Barangay Palina was second with 11.21 percent share, followed by San Luis with 10.57 percent share, Cuenca with 9.31 percent share, and Saytan with 7.35 percent share.

The least populated barangay was Duplas with 3.60 percent share of the total population to the municipality. It was also the least populated barangay in the municipality in 2015.

Sex ratio declines to 104 males per 100 females

Of the 19,337 household population in 2020, males accounted for 50.97 percent while females comprised 49.03 percent. These figures resulted to a sex ratio of 104 males for every 100 females, a decrease in the sex ratio from 105 males for every 100 females recorded in 2015. (Figure 4)

Children aged below 15 years had a sex ratio of 104 males per 100 females, while those aged 15 to 64 had a sex ratio of 107 males per 100 females. On the other hand, among those aged 65 years and over, the sex ratio was 81 males per 100 females. (Figure 4).

Median age increases to 27.92 years

In 2020, the median age of the household population in the municipality was 27.92 years, which means that half of the population was younger than 27.92 years. This was higher than the median age of 26.50 years recorded in 2015.

In 2020, the largest age group was children aged 10 to 14, with a population size making up 9.56 percent of the total population. This was followed by aged 5 to 9 at 9.33 percent, and aged 15 to 19 at 9.20 percent. Males outnumbered females in the age groups 0 to 34 and 40 to 59. There were more females than males in the 35 to 39 age group and the older age group of 60 years and above.

At most two-thirds of the household population are of voting age

The voting-age population (18 years and over) accounted for 66.75 percent of the total household population of the municipality in 2020. There were more males (50.96 percent) than females (49.04 percent) among the voting-age population.

Dependency ratio decreases to 52 dependents per 100 persons in the working age group

In 2020, the young dependents (0 to 14 years) made up 27.68 percent share to the household population while the old dependents (65 years and over) recorded a 6.89 percent share. The working age population (15 to 64 years) accounted for the remaining 65.43 percent.

The overall dependency ratio was 52, which indicates that for every 100 working-age population, there were about 52 dependents (42 young dependents and 10 old dependents). This ratio is lower to the dependency ratio in 2015, which was recorded at 53 dependents per 100 working-age population.

Males dominate females among the never-married persons

Of the total household population aged 10 years old and over, 6,114 persons or 38.63 percent were never married while 6,689 persons or 42.26 percent were married. The rest of the population was categorized as follows: widowed (5.12%), divorced/separated (1.86%), common-law/live-in (12.11%), and unknown (0.02%).

Among the never-married persons, 54.30 percent were males while 45.70 percent were females.

More females than males attained higher levels of education

Of the total population five years old and over, 24.89 percent had attended or completed elementary education while 43.96 percent had reached or finished high school. Moreover, 10.52 percent were college undergraduates and 13.27 percent were academic degree holders. 

Among those with an academic degree, females (58.03%) outnumbered the males (41.97%). Similarly, more females (70.00%) than males (30.00%) had pursued post-baccalaureate courses.

Literacy rate is recorded at 98.60 percent

The Municipality of Pugo, La Union posted a literacy rate of 98.60 percent among the 17,631 household population aged 5 years and over. The literacy rate was slightly higher among males (50.95%) than among females (49.05%).

Average household size is 3.9 persons

The household population of Pugo, La Union in 2020 was 19,333 persons, lower by 303 persons from the household population of 19,636 persons in 2015. 

In 2020, the number of households was 4,953, higher by 142 households compared with the 4,811 households recorded in 2015. The average household size in 2020 was 3.9 persons, lower than the average household size of 4.1 persons in 2015.

Proportion of persons with registered births in Pugo, La Union is 99.39 percent

The 2020 CPH revealed that 19,215 persons had their births registered at the Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO). This is equivalent to 99.39 percent of the 19,333 household population in 2020.

More males than females have registered births

Among the 19,215 household population whose births were registered at the LCRO, 9,796 persons (50.98 percent) were males, while 9,419 persons (49.02 percent) were females. This translates to a sex ratio of 104 males whose births were registered at the LCRO for every 100 females whose births were also registered. (Figure 7)

TECHNICAL NOTES

EXPLANATORY NOTES

The total population presented in this release is based on the 2020 CPH. The population count is declared official for all purposes by the President of the Philippines, pursuant to Proclamation No. 1179 dated 06 July 2021. The total population represents the total number of persons living as of 12:01 AM on 01 May 2020 in the country. It also includes Filipinos in Philippine embassies, consulates, and missions abroad. 

SGD. DANITES E. TEÑIDO, PhD
Chief Statistical Specialist

KJGH/CAE