In a remarkable display of community spirit, Save the Children Philippines, Bagong Silang Child Rights Advocates (BSCRAds), the Caloocan Health Department, and Samahan ng Mamamayan-Zone One Tondo, Inc. (SM-ZOTO) joined forces for the campaign “Wastong Kaalaman, Ligtas na Kinabukasan.”
The campaign underscored the power of collaboration in raising awareness about adolescent pregnancy, reducing stigma, and fostering open discussions to empower adolescents to make informed decisions. This effort is especially urgent, as adolescent pregnancy remains a critical public health issue in the Philippines, particularly in urban areas like Caloocan.
“Appreciate na appreciate ko ‘yung tulungan. ‘Pag pinagsamasama mo, the best talaga. Nakakataba ng puso at ang sarap sa pakiramdam na makatulong ka sa kapwa mo, sa community mo,” shared Leah Tabirao, a teacher and BSCRAds member, reflecting on the campaign's spirit of community empowerment.
Mobilizing Change and Strengthening Community Support
Adolescents participating in an age-appropriate and comprehensive sexual education learning session on teen pregnancy.
In 2021, the Commission on Population (POPCOM) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) declared the high adolescent pregnancy rate a “national emergency.” With 47 births per 1,000 women aged 15-19, the Philippines has one of the highest rates in ASEAN, far above the regional average of 33.5, according to the World Bank. Alarmingly, a recent report from the Commission on Population and Development (CPD) noted a troubling increase in births among girls aged 10 to 14.
Insufficient comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) has contributed to misinformation about sexual and reproductive health, particularly among lower-income families with limited access to healthcare and education. Cultural traditions in some communities may also encourage early marriage and childbearing, placing additional pressure on young people—especially girls—and affecting their ability to pursue education and achieve their goals.
In response, the campaign aimed to provide essential information and resources to families in Caloocan. By focusing on community engagement, it empowered young people and promoted healthier attitudes toward sexual and reproductive health.
Participants from Brgy. 177 share the campaign's message: 'No more children having children.’
The campaign consisted of four interactive sessions held every Saturday from September 21 to October 12, covering Barangays 168, 175, 176, and 177. Participants engaged in discussions designed to reduce the stigma surrounding adolescent pregnancy. Children and parents attended separate sessions to ensure age-appropriate discussions.
BSCRAds led the initiative with support from the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP), Save the Children’s partner in the PaMILyah! program, which creates safe environments for adolescent girls and boys within the same households. Children International also provided hygiene kits for participants, reinforcing the importance of adolescent hygiene practices.
Additionally, Community Support Groups (CSGs) and Child-Led Groups (CLGs) from Caloocan, along with local government units, provided strong support and helped amplify the campaign's impact and reach. Among the CLGs present was the Kabataang Gabay at Kasama sa Pagsulong ng KARAPATAN para sa Kinabukasan (KAGKASAMA) from Barangay 177. The group’s members attended the sessions and contributed their knowledge on the topics discussed.
KAGKASAMA members share their insights and experiences on sexual and reproductive health as adolescents, emphasizing the importance of addressing the challenges they face.
“It is our rights as children to know about these matters and to participate because we are people in society who need solutions to these problems,” expressed Alex (not her real name), KAKGASAMA member.
By uniting local authorities, organizations, schools, healthcare providers, families, and communities, the collaboration ensured that accurate information was shared, support systems were strengthened, and cultural norms surrounding sexual health were challenged. This empowered families to actively address adolescent pregnancy and gender inequalities.
“‘Pag nakita mo na yung participants, iba ang fulfillment. Nakikita mo na possible talaga yung mga campaign na ginagawa mo, hindi lang ikaw ang gumagalaw — lahat. Hindi ka pababayaan ng bawat isa,” said Jocelyn Cerdon, BSCRAds President and teacher.
The campaign also emphasized raising awareness about the importance of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, which can be initiated as early as 9 years old to protect against types of the virus that cause cervical cancer. By prioritizing HPV vaccination during adolescence, communities can significantly lower cancer risks and promote long-term health for future generations.
Advocating for Change: The Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) Bill
Caloocan child advocates lobbying at the Senate for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (PAP) Bill
In response to the rising number of adolescent pregnancies, Save the Children Philippines is urging the Senate to pass the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy Bill, also known as Senate Bill No. 1979. The organization is actively engaging and empowering community members, including children like Alex, to advocate for the bill’s passage.
The bill offers an opportunity to reduce adolescent pregnancies by providing comprehensive sexuality education, improving access to adolescent-friendly Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, and supporting young parents. If enacted, it will also require health facilities to adopt adolescent-friendly practices and ensure school staff are trained in adolescent health and development.
In September, Save the Children Philippines supported the Center for Youth Advocacy and Networking (CYAN) and child advocates from Caloocan City in their visit to the Senate of the Philippines to seek support for the bill.
The advocates met with several senators, including Senate Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Sen. JV Ejercito, and Sen. Raffy Tulfo, as well as the legislative staff of Sen. Koko Pimentel and Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, to share their hopes and highlight the importance of the bill.
Caloocan child advocates with Sen. JV Ejercito, who pledged support for the PAP bill.
“Etong bill, sobrang helpful po talaga if ever na mapasa siya kasi marami pong mga barangay, maraming cities yung need ng ganitong bill para maprotektahan yung mga adolescents na kulang pa sa attention and care within their barangays,” Alex* said.
The collaborative efforts of local advocates demonstrate the power of community-driven action in creating meaningful change. By supporting the bill, significant progress can be made toward improving the lives of young people across the country.
A Shared Vision for a Brighter Future
This campaign and advocacy initiative highlight the importance of working together to ensure that youth have access to the support and services they need to make informed decisions about their health, education, and future.
Through continued collaboration, the people of Caloocan are building a nurturing environment where adolescents can thrive, guided by knowledge, care, and shared commitment. With every conversation and every step forward, the community is creating lasting change—ensuring a safer and brighter future for the next generation.