The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is calling for the immediate passage of the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill amid the increasing number of cases among young adolescents aged 10 to 14.
Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed an 8% increase in births among girls in this age group.
According to CPD Information Management and Communication Division chief Mylin Mirasol Quiray, the measure is needed to strengthen social protection programs for adolescent mothers and their children, as well as to boost preventive efforts such as reproductive health education.
Quiray emphasized that the lack of a comprehensive framework limits the government’s ability to effectively address the issue.
She added that the bill is also crucial in addressing gaps in awareness about adolescent pregnancy, noting that only a small percentage of Filipino parents discuss sexual health with their children.
