As of May 1, 2000, the total population of Western Mindanao which covers the provinces of Basilan (including Isabela City), Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur; and the city of Zamboanga, was 3,091,208 persons. This implied an increase of 296,549 persons over the 1995 census figure or an average annual population growth rate of 2.18 percent, slightly lower than the annual population growth rate recorded during the 1990 to 1995 period (2.42 percent). If the average annual growth rate continues at 2.18 percent, the population of the region is expected to double in 32 years, increasing on the average, by 67,388 persons a year or about eight persons per hour.

Central Visayas region covers the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor; and the cities of Cebu and Mandaue. Its population of as of May 1, 2000 was 5,706,953 persons. This implied an increase of 692,365 persons over the 1995 census figure or an average annual population growth rate of 2.81 percent, higher than the annual population growth rate recorded during the 1990 to 1995 period. If the average annual growth rate continues at 2.81 percent, the population of the region is expected to double in 25 years, increasing, on the average, by 160,365 persons a year or about 15 persons per hour.