The Philippine National Census and Statistical Office assessed marriage trends from 1903 and 1970 and examined the effects of marriage patterns on fertility, using census data from 1903, 1939, 1948, 1960, and 1970. Unlike most agricltural societies the Philippines was characterized by a late age at marriage for females throughout the period, 1903-1970. The singulate mean age at marriage was 21.1 in 1903, 22.2 in 1948, and 22.8 in 1970. During the period 1903-1970, there was a decline, both in the proportion of young females who married and in the proportion of women in their late childbearing years who married. Fertility remained high throughout the period 1903-1970. Estimated total fertility rates were 6.52 in 1903, 6.30 in 1948, and 6.08 in 1970. Gross reproductive rates were 3.16 in 1903, 3.05 in 1948, and 2.94 in 1970. From 1903-1970 the age specific fertility rates for females, aged 15-24, declined from 6%-24%. The conclusion was drawn that changes in marriage patterns had only a minor impact on fertility from 1903-1970. Tables provided information on age specific fertility rates, total fertility rates, gross reproductive rates, proportion of single women in the population, and marriage rates. - See more at: http://www.popline.org/node/449056#sthash.eDrVknUm.dpuf