An independent organization has raised concerns about deceptive materials that negatively impact Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), which aims to provide young people with essential information concerning health and wellness.
Non-government organization The Forum for Family Planning and Development is made up of experts in health, population, economics, and social development, expresses significant concerns regarding the rising spread of false information targeting CSE.
The Forum has been a long-time supporter of reproductive health for teenagers. It confirms its commitment to assisting important government agencies and legislative advocates in defending the rights of young Filipinos to receive age- and development-appropriate CSE that may save their lives.
As part of a social mobilization on February 5, The Forum will be joining other champions and defenders of CSE in calling for support for this effort.
Based on data compiled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) in 2023, an adolescent accounts for one out of 10 pregnancies. It also showed an increasing rate of under-15-year-old girls becoming mothers over the past years. In 2023 alone 3,343 under-15 girls were reported to have delivered their first child.
“As a nation, we should be alarmed,” Kevin de Vera, director for programs and advocacy of The Forum, said.
“All teenage pregnancies are high risk; a teenage girl’s body is not physically ready for pregnancy. Teen pregnancy results in life-threatening complications and pose socioeconomic challenges to their families,” the NGO added.
With the alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies, experts stress the need for immediate action:
Dr. Ernesto Pernia, a former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and trustee of The Forum, stated that the alarming incidence of teenage pregnancies is a national social catastrophe rather than just a statistical trend.
He added that early pregnancies have serious negative social and economic effects, restricting young women’s opportunities and causing cycles of poverty.
“CSE is not merely an academic subject but a necessary intervention to help Filipino families, through our professional and caring educators, equip our adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Without urgent action, we risk compromising years of progress and the future of our young generation—and ultimately, the nation’s development,” he stated.
In 2019, then Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Pernia declared teen pregnancy as a national social emergency, and supported the filing of a measure to address the issue.
Former Department of Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, also a trustee of The Forum, reaffirmed this, stating that “adolescent pregnancy is a public health crisis that demands evidenced-based solutions”.
“We cannot ignore the reality that lack of proper education and access to reproductive health services leads to poor maternal health outcomes and lost opportunities for young women. School-based CSE is an essential, life-saving tool that empowers our youth to take charge of their future. A nation that invests in the well-being of its young people invests in a healthier, more prosperous society,” he said.
Dr. Corazon Raymundo, a social scientist and president of The Forum and Pasig City Councilor, said that evidence has revealed that there is an urgent need to address adolescent reproductive health for decades.
“The challenges of early pregnancy, unprotected sexual activity, and lack of access to proper education continue to threaten the well-being of Filipino youth. CSE is not just about knowledge—it is about empowerment, health, and securing a better future for young people. If we fail to act decisively, we are failing an entire generation. The time for debate has passed; the time for action is now.”
The Forum urges policymakers, educators, and communities to commit to providing young people with the necessary education and support to make informed and responsible decisions regarding their reproductive health.
It said misleading narratives that undermine these efforts must be countered with factual evidence, scientific data, and a collective commitment to safeguarding the youth of our nation.
