ILOILO City – The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is raising alarm over the persistent rise in adolescent pregnancies in Western Visayas, emphasizing the need for a “whole of society” approach to tackle the problem.
Preventing teenage pregnancies is a collective responsibility that extends beyond government agencies to include parents, schools, and the broader community, said Roilo Vincent Laguna, CPD Western Visayas’ population program officer and Technical Section head.
Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority highlight a concerning trend, with adolescent pregnancies making up a significant portion of total live births across the region from 2019 to 2021.
For 2019:
* Aklan – 9.73 percent
* Antique – 8.27 percent
* Capiz – 11.16 percent
* Guimaras – 10.55 percent
* Iloilo Province – 9.54 percent
* Negros Occidental – 9.62 percent
* Bacolod City – 4.32 percent
* Iloilo City – 7.93 percent
For 2020:
* Aklan – 9.58 percent
* Antique – 8.81 percent
* Capiz – 10.13 percent
* Guimaras – 9.35 percent
* Iloilo Province – 9.50 percent
* Negros Occidental – 9.57 percent
* Bacolod City – 3.39 percent
* Iloilo City – 8.05 percent
For 2021:
* Aklan – 9.12 percent
* Antique – 8.04 percent
* Capiz – 10.16 percent
* Guimaras – 9.61 percent
* Iloilo Province – 10.73 percent
* Negros Occidental – 10.27 percent
* Bacolod City – 3.40 percent
* Iloilo City – 5.76 percent
Despite slight fluctuations, the figures underscore the urgency of addressing this public health issue. Laguna said this situation calls for a unified effort.
He reminded youngsters to “choose your dreams, do not exchange them for momentary pleasure.”
“We want the youth to enjoy their prime during the adolescent stage,” he stressed.
In response to this challenge, the government under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has taken steps to empower local government units (LGUs) to implement strategies aimed at promoting adolescent health and development.
This initiative, outlined in the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action for 2023, marks a shift towards more localized, integrated program implementation.
Efforts to curb adolescent pregnancies include enhancing access to reproductive health services, including contraception and mental health support, and establishing adolescent-friendly health facilities.
LGUs are also encouraged to develop Information and Service Delivery Networks to guide youth to appropriate services and support.
Moreover, the Department of Health is actively accrediting Rural Health Units to provide dedicated care for adolescent mothers, aiming to create a more welcoming and confidential environment for young women seeking prenatal care.
The government’s strategy also involves legislative action, with the CPD backing House Bill 8910, the “Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Act” which seeks to establish a national policy for reducing pregnancies among teenagers. This bill is currently in its second reading, with strong support from the current administration.
Local initiatives are also playing a critical role in addressing the issue. In Iloilo province, for example, teen centers and peer education programs are being developed to provide young people with accurate information and support, illustrating the practical application of the “whole of society” approach advocated by CPD./PN
