Parents and Communities Play a Key Role in Preventing Adolescent Pregnancy – CPD
BAGUIO CITY — The Commission on Population and Development (CPD)-Cordillera is calling on parents and communities to take a more active role in guiding young people to help prevent adolescent pregnancy, a situation that often disrupts education and leads to long-term financial and emotional challenges.
Lauren Alimondo of CPD-Cordillera emphasized that strong parental guidance is one of the most effective tools in preventing early pregnancy. She encouraged parents to create a safe, open environment where their children can ask questions freely and receive clear, accurate information.
“Young people need clear and accurate information about their bodies and about the possible consequences of early sexual activity,” Alimondo said. She clarified that providing proper information does not promote risky behavior but instead empowers youth to make responsible decisions that support their future.
To strengthen awareness, she urged schools, health centers, local officials, and youth groups to work together in implementing programs that educate adolescents about the risks and consequences of early pregnancy.
Highlighting the importance of keeping young people in school, she stated:
“Hindi po dapat nanganganak ang isang adolescent kundi dapat po siya ay nag-aaral kasama ang kanyang pamilya. Hindi po siya dapat naghahawak at nag-aalaga ng baby kundi dapat po siya ay naka-focus po sa kanyang pag-aaral.”
Despite ongoing efforts, adolescent pregnancy figures in the region remain concerning. Records show 2,122 cases among 15–19-year-olds in 2024 and 2,128 cases in 2025, with the adolescent birth rate only slightly decreasing from 23.27 to 21.
Alimondo also highlighted the importance of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law, explaining that responsible parenthood begins with readiness and shared responsibility.
“Responsible parenthood means making sure that when someone becomes a parent, they are ready in mind, body, and resources. It also means for parents to guide the younger generation so they can build a strong foundation for their lives before starting their own families,” she said.
She further stressed that adolescent parents should not be left behind and must receive support to continue their education and care for their children.
“Dapat si school, ang community, ang family as the basic unit of society ay kailangang magtulungan para tulungan i-uplift ‘yung buhay ng isang adolescent mother,” she added.
The CPD continues to advocate for a whole-of-community approach to safeguard the welfare and future of young people. [PIA]
