The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will expand the pilot implementation of the Project ProtecTEEN in Metro Manila and Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon) to further provide psychosocial support and other interventions for teenage mothers and their families in these regions.
In a statement on Wednesday, Sept. 14, the DSWD said it will initially roll out the project in Malabon City and Antipolo City in the second semester of 2022.
The DSWD, through the expansion of Project ProtecTEEN, aims to continue to empower young mothers to allow them to be better at performing their social and parenting duties.
A memorandum of agreement and pledge of commitment will be signed between the DSWD, local chief executives of the concerned local government units, and other partner-agencies at the local level to signify their commitment in responding to the teenage pregnancy in the country.
The ProtecTEEN, which was launched in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Aug. 1, is the latest intervention of the DSWD that is included in the government’s Social Protection Program for Adolescent Mothers and Their Children.
It intends to create a supportive environment for adolescent mothers and their families by empowering them through the provision of direct social services and assistance, referral to other agencies, and organizing peer advocates.
With its framework, the project targets to cater to the needs, protect the rights, and promote the psychosocial well-being of adolescent mothers aged 10 to 19, their children, partners, and other household members who provide support to them.