CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) – The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) in CALABARZON emphasized the critical role of parents in addressing the growing concern of early pregnancies among teenagers.
The call for open communication aims to foster understanding, provide guidance, and equip young people with the necessary knowledge to make informed and responsible decisions.
CPD CALABARZON Regional Director Marilyn Ogaya stressed that creating a safe space for dialogue between parents and children is vital in addressing the challenges posed by unplanned pregnancies.
“We encourage parents to engage their children in meaningful conversations about reproductive health, relationships, and life goals. This approach can help prevent misconceptions and promote a healthier perspective on their future,” Ogaya stated.
As of April 25, 2024, the city of Calamba, Laguna records the highest teenage pregnancy rate with 7,275 cases, followed by the municipality of Tanza in Cavite with 6,902 cases and the city of Biñan, Laguna with 6,646 cases.
CPD Calabarzon is rolling out programs aimed at equipping both parents and teenagers with accurate and science-based information about reproductive health, importance of responsible decision-making and delaying parenthood until adulthood.
The director said: “We have a module for parents that we can teach them to communicate with their children on this. Also, CPD has a training program to parents where we teach them how to properly communicate with their kin in a way that the children will not be ashamed.”
In addition to engaging with parents, CPD Calabarzon is strengthening its partnerships with various government agencies, academe and other stakeholders to amplify the advocacy and to deliver comprehensive programs addressing the multifaceted challenges of teenage pregnancy, from education and healthcare to socio-economic development.
“Combating early pregnancy is a collective responsibility. Through open communication within families and strong partnerships across government agencies, we can protect the future of our youth and empower them to achieve their full potential,” Ogaya declares.
The population commission adds that it is committed in promoting reproductive health and empowering young people in the region to create a safer and more supportive environment for its youth. (AM/PIA 4A)
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