THE number of pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 14 increased by 8%, according to the latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
In 2024, the PSA recorded 3,612 pregnancies for young adolescent girls; with two youngest mothers at 10 years old from Bicol and Western Visayas regions. This is higher compared to 2023’s 3,343.
This is already a cause for alarm, according to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), which is pushing for the urgent passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill.
Under the proposed measure, several government agencies including the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) would be mandated to help protect and empower adolescents.
CPD Information Management and Communications Division Chief, Mylin Mirasol Quiray said DepEd would institutionalize comprehensive reproductive health education, under the proposal.
“More than ten percent lamang ng Pilipino parents ang nakikipag-usap tungkol sa sex sa kanilang mga anak, so kailangan natin ito,” Quiray said in an interview with state-run PTV. “At next to none, social media ang secondary source of information ng ating mga kabataang Pilipino tungkol sa adolescent reproductive health.”
The DOH meanwhile, would be tasked with accrediting health centers and institutions as “adolescent-friendly” health services. These health providers will provide pre-teen and teen mothers with assistance and services without judgement, condemnation, or discrimination.
The DSWD, meanwhile, will be providing social services and protection to adolescent mothers. According to Quiray, there had already been a pilot program called ProtecTEEN that gives psychosocial support, family counseling, and livelihood assistance, even awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and prevent teenage pregnancy.
Conservatives have raised concerns about teaching children sex education, citing Filipino and religious values and appropriateness, even some going as far as claiming that it will teach masturbation to toddlers. Quiray assured the public that the lessons are scientifically accurate, age and developmentally appropriate, and culturally sensitive.
In a privilege speech earlier this month, Pampanga Third District Representative Michaela Gonzales called for the creation of a “quinta committee” that will integrate the different versions of the bill. She particularly called on the five House committees on Basic Education and Culture, Health, Welfare of Children, Women and Gender Equality, and Youth and Sports Development.
Bill author Senator Risa Hontiveros had also previously refuted claims of the inclusion of teaching masturbation and sexuality experimentation in the bill. Hontiveros said that it remains open to amendments that will enhance the proposed law and “steer it to passage.”
As the age of pregnancy continues to decrease, the urgency for government intervention becomes more apparent. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, however, is currently not among the priority measures of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. While it was already approved in the third and final reading at the House of Representatives in 2023, its Senate counterpart remains pending.
With adolescent pregnancies continuing to rise among younger age groups and stronger preventive measures still lacking, the country risks a future where more children are raised by children.