MANILA – The Commission on Overseas Filipinos (CFO) reported a significant increase in the number of Filipinos marrying or partnering with foreign nationals, rebounding sharply in 2022 after a pandemic-related decline.
According to Philippines News Agency, CFO Secretary Leo Arugay detailed that after a drop in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers surged to 6,854 in 2022, marking a 40.1 percent increase from the 4,891 intermarriages recorded in 2021. The data highlights that the majority of these international unions involved U.S. citizens, followed by Australians, Canadians, Germans, and Japanese.
The rise in intermarriages was facilitated by various mediums including personal introductions, workplaces, penpal referrals, the internet, and advertisements. The CFO’s breakdown shows a demographic predominance of female participants, with 6,191 women compared to 663 men, primarily hailing from the National Capital Region, Calabarzon, Central Luzon, and Central Visayas.
Arugay emphasized the broader context of Filipino migration, noting that many move abroad for family reunification or employment, often leading to citizenship in the host country. He also highlighted the CFO’s efforts to support Filipinos embarking on international marriages through pre-departure guidance and counseling, which includes comprehensive briefings on the destination country and tailored advice on navigating the complexities of intermarriage and migration.