ANTIQUE – The Antique Provincial Population Office (PPO) is conducting a massive information and education campaign in schools and villages to reduce teenage pregnancy.
Teenage pregnancy in the province increased by 67 cases in 2022, or a total of 1,103 pregnancies, from 1,036 in 2021, according to PPO head Primo Ogatis.
“Pregnancy from 10 to 19 years old increased in 2022. Teenagers enjoyed more freedom after the lifting of [pandemic] restrictions in Antique,” Ogatis said on Monday.
In 2022, there were 22 cases among 10- to 14-year-olds compared to 19 cases in 2021, he added.
Meanwhile, the 2022 cases for 15- to 19-year-olds were at 1,081, compared to 1,036 cases in 2021, he also said.
Ogatis clarified that the recorded teenage pregnancies last year were only the cases to have availed prenatal services at rural health units and other health facilities.
“We urge pregnant teenagers to seek prenatal services so they could be given vitamins,” Ogatis said.
Teenage pregnancy is risky and may cause malnutrition in children.
“We have an ongoing massive training of peer counselors at teen centers in schools and of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials so they could help us,” Ogatis said.
There are 23 teen centers established in different schools throughout the province where trained students serve as peer counselors. They discuss adolescent health and youth development programs with their fellow students who come to the center.
“Teachers are also urged to integrate comprehensive sexuality education in their subjects,” Ogatis said.
SK officials in the municipalities are likewise encouraged to help campaign against teenage pregnancy, aside from the usual sports activities.
Amid the increase, Ogatis said the province still has the second-lowest number of teenage pregnancy incidents in Western Visayas. (PNA)/PN
