Koronadal City, Philippines – July 11, 2025 – With very young adolescent pregnancy on the rise in SOCCSKSARGEN, the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region XII marked this year’s World Population Day (WPD) by spotlighting urgent demographic issues, strengthening partnerships, and delivering vital civil registry services to its staff and the broader community.
Anchored on the global theme “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world,” this year’s celebration emphasized investing in the region’s youth as key drivers of sustainable development.
In partnership with the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Region XII, CPD XII offered onsite civil registry services at its regional office in Koronadal City. Staff and program partners at both regional and local levels were able to conveniently and affordably obtain copies of birth, marriage, and death certificates for themselves and their families. The initiative also aimed to raise awareness about the importance of World Population Day and the services that support population and development goals.
“By investing in the younger population, the region aims to create a more equitable society that recognizes the potential of every individual,” said CPD Region XII Regional Director Desiree Concepcion Garganian. “I urge our partners to continue addressing pressing population issues, especially very young adolescent pregnancy.”
Recent data from the PSA’s Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) revealed a troubling trend: live births among very young adolescent girls (ages 10–14) in SOCCSKSARGEN nearly doubled over four years—from 117 in 2019 to 215 in 2023—an alarming 84% increase. Director Garganian highlighted this issue during her July 10 interview with DXKR RMN Koronadal, calling for greater public awareness and stronger efforts to empower very young adolescents with accurate information, quality education, and expanded opportunities.
In support of this advocacy, CPD Region XII Information Officer II Mr. Fitzgerald Carmona provided an orientation on the 2025 State of World Population (SWOP) Report during the agency’s 2025 WPD celebration. He emphasized the need for a whole-of-nation approach to addressing adolescent pregnancy and promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, especially women and young people. The orientation set the tone for the day’s activities, reinforcing that effective population programs begin with awareness and access to essential services.
Earlier that day, CPD Region XII staff participated in the 26th T’nalak Festival Civic-Military Parade, proudly carrying the World Population Day banner through the streets of Koronadal City—further raising public consciousness about youth and population concerns.
Meanwhile, in Taguig City, the CPD Central Office, in collaboration with UNFPA Philippines and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), launched the global SWOP Report at SMX Aura, Bonifacio Global City. The report is accessible online at unfpa.org/swp2025.
As Region XII continues to expand its programs and deepen partnerships, this year’s World Population Day serves as a powerful reminder: investing in young people today builds a more equitable, empowered, and hopeful tomorrow.
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Press Release No.: KMCU PR 25-07-007
Release Date: July 11, 2025
CONTACT DETAILS
Contact Person: VINNA P. BOHOLST
Email Add: vinna.boholst@cpd.gov.ph
Mobile No.: 0929-799-2877
Website: region12.cpd.gov.ph
Credits:
COMMISSION ON POPULATION AND DEVELOPMENT