“Ayaw ibaylo ang five minutes nga kalipay sa lifetime nga sacrifice.”
Neil Aldrin Omega, CPD Regional Director, issued a stern reminder to local youth on Friday, March 13. He spoke during the Northern Mindanao launch of "Project 25@28: No More Children Having Children."
The CPD, together with other government agencies, aims to reduce teenage pregnancy in Region 10 by 25 percent by 2028.
Available data show that about 30 adolescents in the region give birth every day, while at least six girls give birth every week.
Northern Mindanao has the highest rate of adolescent childbearing in the Philippines. The Philippine Statistics Authority confirmed these rankings in its latest 2022 survey.
The region also consistently ranks among those with the highest cases of child marriage, while 18 percent of adolescent pregnancies are repeat pregnancies.
Omega acknowledged that despite previous efforts, existing interventions have not been enough to significantly address the issue.
“Daghan tag interventions, pero usahay mura ra siya’g activity-based—one time, one shot lang, walay consistency sa ground,” Omega said.
Government agencies must collaborate more effectively. Furthermore, officials must enforce all existing laws to protect Mindanao’s children.
Local leaders reported low awareness of child protection laws in many barangays. Omega stressed that these communities do not yet know the new Age of Sexual Consent rules.
Among the programs being promoted is the “Protecteen” initiative of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which provides support and subsidies to teenage mothers to help them rebuild their lives and prevent repeat pregnancies.
The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 10 also reaffirmed its commitment to expand reproductive health education in schools.
“Commitment na sa DepEd nga i-roll out nato ang reproductive health education sa atong teaching personnel kay kinahanglan gyud og trained teachers ani. Ang culture sa Filipino usahay maulaw ta maghisgot ani sa mga bata,” said Dr. Myra Yee, regional coordinator of the Adolescent Reproductive Health Program.
She added that updated modules are now being prepared to support the implementation of reproductive health education in schools.
During the launch, a 17-year-old teenage mother identified as “Jessa” appealed for understanding and a second chance.
“Tagaan lang unta mi sa gobyerno og chance to fix our lives. Dako kog leksyon nakuha ug unta dili lang mi i-judge sa uban,” she said.
Omega reiterated his message to adolescents aged 10 to 19 to make responsible choices.
