This lab uses the 2020 Census of Population and Housing (CPH) rather than 2024 population estimates because of data granularity and accuracy requirements for B2B wholesale planning.
1. Actual Count vs. Projections: The 2020 CPH is the most recent actual count conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority. The 2024 figures are statistical projections based on birth rates and migration models. The 2020 data reflects actual ground-level population distribution.
2. Barangay-Level Granularity: Projections are typically limited to broader regional or provincial levels. The 2020 Census provides exact population counts for individual barangays. This specific level of detail is required for sari-sari store distribution logistics and localized market sizing.
3. Household Baseline: For essential consumer goods, the number of households determines consumption volume. Household formation remains relatively stable over a four-year period. The 2020 census provides an exact baseline for calculating household density and estimating consumption margins.