Koronadal City, Philippines – The alarming rise in the number of adolescent pregnancies, particularly among girls aged 10-14, has become a pressing concern for the SOCCSKSARGEN region. A steady increase in registered very young adolescent births is seen in the span of 4 years. By 2023, the number has almost doubled at 84% (117 in 2019 to 215 in 2023 - Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS)).
“While this is still in the hundreds, these are very young girls, whose developmental milestones clearly do not include pregnancy, motherhood and childrearing. One teenage pregnancy is one too many. Physical, psychological, and economic consequences are realities that they have to face. Vulnerability to further abuse also remains a threat to their well-being,” according to Regional Director Desiree Concepcion Garganian of the Commission on Population and Development XII (CPD XII).
She then emphasized the necessity for a synergized and sustained response from all program partners: “Adolescent pregnancies are not only prevalent in densely populated regions like NCR and CALABARZON; regions like SOCCSKSARGEN also need to review current strategies and re-strategize approaches and interventions into more effective responses to address this issue. We should intensify our efforts on age and development and culturally-sensitive comprehensive sexuality education to hone adolescents’ life skills so they can make informed decisions. We also need to ensure their protection from abuse."
CPD urges the country to take a stronger and broader approach on comprehensive sexuality education (CSE), as outlined in the strategy of the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (PPD-POA) 2023-2028. The Agency is also advocating for prompt legislative action. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill (Senate Bill 1979), currently with revised provisions and is awaiting interpellation, is an essential step towards establishing more effective policies.
CPD XII also urges local stakeholders, government officials, and community leaders in SOCCSKSARGEN to support this initiative and prioritize the health and well-being of our adolescents. “We cannot underestimate the gravity of this situation. The impacts of adolescent pregnancy extend far beyond individual cases; they affect families, communities, and our economy,” stated RD Garganian. “It is imperative that we unite in addressing these challenges, ensuring that our girls receive the education and resources they need to thrive and live the better life they envision for themselves in the future.”
CPD XII reaffirms its commitment to promoting youth well-being through strong collaborative efforts in education, health care access, and local governance and community engagement.
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Press Release No.: KMCU PR 25-01-001
Release Date: February 12, 2024
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