Iloilo records 26 marriages per day in 2023

In 2023, the total number of registered marriages in Iloilo Province and the City of Iloilo decreased compared to the previous year. Overall, 9,412 marriages were recorded, marking a 10.3 percent decline from 10,489 marriages registered in 2022.

In the province, the number of marriages dropped from 8,433 in 2022 to 7,386 in 2023, reflecting a 12.4 percent decrease. Meanwhile, the City of Iloilo registered 2,026 marriages in 2023, slightly lower than the 2,056 marriages reported in 2022, resulting in a 1.5 percent decline.

On average, Iloilo saw 784 marriages in a month or 26 nuptials per day in 2023.

More marriages in the Fifth District of Iloilo

The Fifth District had the highest number of registered marriages at 1,674, accounting for approximately 22.7 percent of the total. Following closely was the Third District, which recorded 1,578 marriages or 21.4 percent. These two districts collectively represented the largest share of marriages in the province.

On the other hand, the First District had the lowest number of marriages, with 1,352 couples tying the knot, making up 18.3 percent of the total. The Fourth District followed with 1,382 marriages (18.7%), while the Second District had 1,400 (18.9%). 

Oton registers most nuptials in Iloilo; San Rafael records least

The municipality with the highest number of marriages was Oton, with 351 marriages (4.75%) of the total. This was followed by Janiuay with 335 marriages (4.53%), City of Passi with 320 marriages (4.33%), Dumangas with 293 marriages (3.97%), and Pototan with 278 marriages (3.76%). These five municipalities recorded the highest number of marriages in the province.

Conversely, the municipalities with the lowest number of marriages were San Rafael, with 38 marriages (0.51%), Bingawan with 43 marriages (0.58%), Anilao with 61 marriages (0.83%), Mina with 64 marriages (0.87%), and Tubungan with 67 marriages (0.91%). These municipalities recorded the lowest number of marriages in Iloilo.

Women tend to marry at a younger age compared to men

In 2023, most of the marriages occured between the ages of 20 and 34, with a peak in the 25-29 age group for both men and women. Further, for the province of Iloilo, data suggests that women tend to marry at a younger age compared to men. This is evident in the 15-19 age range, where 146 females are recorded compared to only 27 males.

As individuals move into their late twenties and early thirties, the number of married individuals remains high but starts to decline after age 35. By the time people reach 50 and beyond, the occurrence of marriage drops significantly, reinforcing the trend that most individuals marry at a younger age.

Likewise, in the Iloilo City, the majority of marriages occurred in the 25-29 age group, with 728 males and 911 females, suggesting this is the preferred age range for marriage. The 30-34 group followed, with 714 males and 599 females, indicating that many also marry in their early thirties.

More females than males married in the 20-24 age group (177 females vs. 84 males), reflecting a trend where women tend to marry earlier than men. In contrast, from 30 and above, more males were recorded in marriages.

Marriage numbers declined significantly after 40, with only 31 males and 11 females marrying at 60 and over, indicating that marriage is less common at later ages.

Marriages peaks in February in the Province of Iloilo; December in City of Iloilo

Marriage trends in Iloilo Province and Iloilo City show significant variations across the months. The highest number of marriages in Iloilo Province occurs in February (1,641 marriages), accounting for 14.9% of the total annual marriages which may be attributed to the celebration of the Civil Registration Month wherein one of the activities in the municipalities are mass civil weddings. December follows with 700 marriages (6.4%), likely due to holiday celebrations. In contrast, the lowest numbers are seen in November (287 marriages, 2.6%) and September (371 marriages, 3.4%).

Similarly, in Iloilo City, December (267 marriages, 10.2%) and February (209 marriages, 8.0%) record the highest numbers, aligning with the provincial trend. The fewest marriages occur in September (117 marriages, 4.5%) and October (119 marriages, 4.6%).

Overall, the data suggests that February and December are the most popular months for weddings, while September and November see the least weddings.

TECHNICAL NOTES

Marriage is a contract of permanent union between a man and a woman entered into in accordance with law for the establishment of conjugal and family life.

Originally Signed
JERRY L. DOLUTAN
(Supervising Statistical Specialist)    
Officer-in-Charge
PSA RSSO VI - Iloilo