However , the first official census was conducted only in 1878 , when the population as of midnight on December 31 , 1877 was counted .
In 1799 , Friar Manuel Buzeta estimated the population count of all Philippine islands as 1,502,574 .
The first official census was conducted only in 1878 , when the population as of midnight on December 31 , 1877 was counted .
In 1799 , Friar Manuel Buzeta estimated the population count of all Philippine islands as 1,502,574 .