Aklan deaths drop 2.1% in 2024, PSA reports

KALIBO, Aklan — The province of Aklan recorded 4,449 deaths in 2024, a 2.1% decline from 4,545 in 2023, according to the latest vital statistics released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

The decrease represents 96 fewer registered deaths, although the figures alone do not establish whether the province experienced an improvement in overall public health conditions.

The data also revealed that slightly more than half of registered deaths occurred at home, raising questions about access to health facilities, emergency medical services, and end-of-life care.

For local governments, mortality statistics provide important information for planning health services, allocating medical resources, and identifying communities that may require greater attention.

In a report released Oct. 30, 2026, PSA-Aklan said 4,288 of the 4,449 people whose deaths were registered in the province were Aklan residents.

The figure represented 96.38% of all registered deaths.

The remaining 161 deaths, or 3.62%, involved residents of other provinces.

The distinction is important because deaths registered in Aklan do not necessarily involve people who permanently reside in the province.

Kalibo records highest number of deaths

Among Aklan’s local government units, Kalibo recorded the highest number of deaths by residence of the deceased, with 707 cases.

The provincial capital accounted for approximately 16.5% of the 4,288 registered deaths involving Aklan residents.

Ibajay ranked second with 406 deaths, representing 9.5% of the total.

New Washington and Banga recorded 330 deaths each, equivalent to 7.7% apiece.

Batan followed with 276 deaths, accounting for 6.4%.

Meanwhile, Buruanga recorded the lowest number of deaths at 117, representing 2.7% of the provincial resident total.

Lezo registered 119 deaths, equivalent to 2.8%.

The differences among municipalities may reflect variations in population size, demographic characteristics, and other local conditions.

A higher number of deaths does not necessarily mean that a municipality has a higher mortality rate because larger populations generally record more deaths.

Comparisons of public health conditions would require mortality rates adjusted for population size and, where appropriate, age differences.

Malinao posts largest increase

The PSA also identified municipalities that recorded increases or decreases in deaths compared with 2023.

Malinao posted the largest percentage increase at 6.3%, with deaths rising from 189 in 2023 to 201 in 2024.

Malay followed with a 2.3% increase, from 259 to 265 deaths.

Kalibo recorded a 1.9% increase, with deaths rising from 694 in 2023 to 707 in 2024.

In contrast, Libacao registered the largest percentage decline at 20.1%.

Deaths in the municipality fell from 179 in 2023 to 143 in 2024, a decrease of 36 cases.

Madalag also recorded a substantial decline of 12.6%, with registered deaths dropping from 143 to 125.

These changes highlight differences in mortality patterns across Aklan’s municipalities.

However, the PSA report did not identify the causes behind the increases or decreases.

A more detailed analysis of mortality trends would require information on leading causes of death, age groups, underlying health conditions, and other relevant factors.

January records most deaths

By month of occurrence, January recorded the highest number of deaths in Aklan in 2024.

The province registered 424 deaths during the month, representing 9.53% of the annual total.

August followed closely with 421 deaths, accounting for 9.46%.

May ranked third with 378 deaths, or 8.50%, followed by February with 377 deaths, or 8.47%.

December recorded 374 deaths, representing 8.41% of the total.

June registered the fewest deaths, with 322 cases, accounting for 7.24%.

The monthly distribution provides a picture of when deaths occurred throughout the year.

Such information can help health planners examine possible seasonal patterns and determine whether periods of higher mortality coincide with changes in disease incidence or other public health conditions.

However, the available figures do not establish any seasonal or environmental causes behind the differences.

Most deaths occurred at home

The PSA report also showed that a slightly larger proportion of deaths occurred at home than in hospitals.

Of the 4,449 registered deaths, 2,255 occurred at home, representing 50.7% of the total.

Another 2,140 deaths, or 48.1%, occurred in hospitals.

The two categories accounted for 4,395 deaths, leaving 54 deaths, or approximately 1.2%, occurring in other or unspecified locations.

The proportion of deaths occurring at home provides an important consideration for assessing health care needs across the province.

However, home deaths do not automatically indicate inadequate medical care.

Some may involve individuals receiving home-based or palliative care, while others may involve circumstances requiring further examination.

The PSA figures did not distinguish among these situations or provide information on whether medical assistance was available before death.

More detailed data would be needed to determine whether distance from hospitals, emergency response limitations, household circumstances, or patient preferences contributed to the reported distribution.

For Aklan’s rural and geographically dispersed communities, access to hospitals, transportation, and emergency care remains an important consideration in local health planning.

Mortality data to guide health planning

The PSA’s vital statistics are based on registered civil events, including births, marriages, and deaths.

These records provide government agencies with information for monitoring demographic changes and preparing public services.

Mortality data can help local health authorities assess service requirements, identify possible disparities among municipalities, and determine where additional medical resources may be needed.

The statistics are also relevant to planning hospital capacity, emergency medical services, and community-based health programs.

For policymakers, however, the total number of deaths is only one measure of public health conditions.

Mortality rates, leading causes of death, life expectancy, and population characteristics are also necessary to develop a more complete picture of health outcomes.

The PSA-Aklan report did not provide a breakdown of deaths by age, sex, or cause.

It also did not establish whether the decline in registered deaths reflected changes in population size, health conditions, or other demographic factors.

While the 2.1% decrease indicates fewer deaths were registered in Aklan in 2024, further analysis will be necessary to determine its broader public health significance.

For provincial and municipal governments, the findings provide a starting point for evaluating mortality patterns and ensuring that health programs respond to the needs of Aklan residents.