Relative to RDC resolution No. IV-A-154-2019 regarding adolescent pregnancy, the civil registration and vital statistics covering year 2016-2017 showed that 399,563 recorded births were given by girls aged 10-19 years old and about 500 births occur every day from adolescent mothers. According to young fertility survey, CALABARZON has an 8 percent prevalence rate of adolescent pregnancy.
The negative effects of adolescent pregnancy contribute to poor health status of the mother and child, hence, disruption or termination of education of the mother, low labor force participation rate among women, and poor socio-economic conditions among others.
In this regard, this Office reiterates DepEd Order No. 31, s. 2018 titled Policy Guidelines on the Implementation of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) in Curbing the Rising Incidences of Early Pregnancy, Sexual Violence and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among Young Filipinos.
This policy aims to enhance the holistic wellness of the Filipino adolescents and effectively address their needs for health and protection through education by ensuring that they are equipped with comprehensive information and appropriate life skills that can advance gender equality and empowerment, clarify their values and attitude and reduce risks related to poor health outcomes- thereby enabling them to achieve their full potential.
Moreover, all public secondary schools are advised to observe Responsible Parenthood and Adolescent Reproductive Health Awareness every month of August during MAPEH class for grade 9 to 12 learners.
Attached is RM-20-109 recognizing Adolescent pregnancy as a national social emergency. To facilitate reporting and collation of reports, all secondary schools Adolescent Reproductive Health Focal Person must submit soft copy of Teenage Pregnancy Cases every March and October of the same school year to mariacricelda.felizardo@deped.gov.ph
For your information and guidance.
