living together before marriage, also known as cohabitation, was becoming more common in the Philippines, especially in urban areas. However, it's essential to note that cultural norms and attitudes towards cohabitation can vary significantly across different regions and communities within the country.
Historically, the Philippines has been a conservative and predominantly Catholic country, which traditionally emphasized the importance of marriage as a prerequisite for cohabiting or starting a family. However, as society evolves and modernizes, attitudes towards relationships and family structures are also changing.
Factors contributing to the increase in cohabitation in the Philippines include urbanization, economic considerations, changing gender roles, and exposure to Western cultural influences through media and globalization. Younger generations may be more open to the idea of living together before marriage, especially in metropolitan areas where Western cultural norms are more prevalent.
It's worth mentioning that despite these changes, cohabitation is not universally accepted or embraced by all segments of Philippine society. In more conservative and rural areas, traditional values and customs regarding marriage and family may still be deeply rooted.
As social norms continue to evolve, the prevalence of cohabitation in the Philippines may change over time. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, I recommend referring to recent surveys or studies conducted by reputable research organizations within the Philippines.