SIQUIJOR, Siquijor (PIA) – – The province of Siquijor, through the Provincial Office of Population and Development (POPDEV) and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), is implementing measures to educate and empower teenagers on health and reproductive issues through the ‘Heart to H.E.A.R.T. Talk’ caravan.
According to population and development officer Hilmer B. Ongue, this development after reports of alarming cases of teenage pregnancy in the province, with the latest 49 cases recorded as of 2nd quarter of this year affecting teenagers as young as 10 years old.
Of the total, 14 are from the town of Maria; 12 , Lazi; 9, Maria; 6, San Juan; 8, Siquijor; and 6, San Juan.
On an annual basis, Ongue noted a consistent yearly decrease of teenage pregnancy cases in the province, from 225 in 2019 to 150 in 2020, 139 in 2021, 129 in 2022, and 101 in 2023.
Of the 101 recorded cases in 2023, 28 were from Lazi, 21 each from Maria and Siquijor, 11 from Larena, and 10 each from San Juan and Enrique Villanueva.
The campaign has been implemented in the province since 2019 and has made a significant impact in reducing the prevalence and incidence of teen pregnancies.
“This year, the initiative is expected to reach at least 14,000 junior and senior high school students across the province,” Ongue said.
The Heart to H.E.A.R.T. Talk caravan focuses on five critical “H.E.A.R.T” issues that affect adolescents and teens: HIV/AIDS and STI, Early Sexual Encounter, Adolescent Sexuality, Reproductive Health, and Teenage Pregnancy.
Through a fun, interactive and informative talk, the campaign aims to equip teenagers with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.
“The campaign is designed to break down barriers and promote open communication about sensitive topics,” said Ongue.
He said the success of the campaign can also be attributed to the efforts of Population and Development Office – Siquijor and the support of the Provincial Government of Siquijor led by Gov. Jake Vincent Villa, and the Committee on Health, board member Brylle Deeiah Tumarong – Quio, with the guidance and expertise of former Commission on Population Development Region 7 training specialist, Carl Dave Black Ang.
“We are committed to empowering our young people with the knowledge and skills they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being. Through this campaign, we hope to reduce the incidence of teen pregnancies and promote healthy relationships among adolescents,” he said.
He said the caravan is a testament to the province’s commitment to promoting adolescent health and well-being .
“As it continues to reach out to more students across the province, it is hoped that it will make a lasting impact on their lives,” he added.
For more details, the POPDEV office is located at Capilan, Siquijor, Siquijor with mobile number 0917-965-7210. (RAC/PIA-7 Siquijor with reports from POPDEV)
