THERE'S HOPE!

Last Wednesday, Feb. 26, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman and I visited the Queen City of the South for a series of meaningful engagements, all focused on enhancing public service delivery.

It was a whirlwind one-day work trip, starting with a dawn landing in Cebu, diving straight into back-to-back appointments, and ending with a night flight back to Manila.
We began the day with our Regional Coordination Meeting, which turned out to be more than just another agenda-setting session. It was also a heartfelt send-off for DBM Regional Office VII Director Lenin Bernales, who officially retired and closed an incredible 44-year career in public service. Over lunch, I was reminded that government thrives on the dedication of passionate individuals like her.

Later in the day, we gathered for the Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation for the Meaningful Integration of the National Government and Local Government Units Agenda (SEC-MINA). This DBM-led event, aptly named after the Budget Secertary, is designed to foster seamless collaboration among the national government, local government units (LGUs), and civil society organizations, ensuring that governance is more inclusive, coordinated, and impactful. 

During this session, we heard the voices of the people on the ground—their struggles, hopes, and aspirations—because true governance means listening, understanding, and responding with action that truly makes a difference. Various concerns were raised by CSO leaders, but what struck me the most was the rise in teenage pregnancies.
In recent years, the Philippines has faced a troubling increase in teenage pregnancies, particularly among younger adolescents. In 2022, 3,135 girls aged 15 and under gave birth, marking a 35 percent increase from the 2,320 births recorded in 2021. This alarming surge not only disrupts the futures of these young mothers but also reflects deeper societal issues that urgently need addressing.

It's essential to approach this sensitive topic with compassion and understanding. Many of these young mothers are victims of abuse, forced into situations beyond their control. The absence of adequate resources and safe environments leaves them vulnerable, and their pregnancies become a painful testament to the violations they've endured. This is why I firmly believe that condemnation is not the answer; empathy and meaningful intervention are.

As a mother myself, I know that education is the strongest shield we can give our children—and it must begin at home. Parents are the first line of defense, tasked with having the tough but necessary conversations about sexuality, respect, and personal boundaries. It would break my heart to see a child step into parenthood unprepared, burdened with responsibilities they are not yet ready to carry.

By creating a home where children feel safe to ask questions, share their fears, and seek guidance, we empower them to make informed choices that could shape the course of their entire future.

It goes without saying that the government has implemented various interventions to tackle this issue, offering targeted support and solutions.

The ProtecTEEN program, led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), supports young mothers, providing family healing sessions, case management, and assistance in education, employment, and livelihood to help them rebuild their lives.

Another important initiative is the Adolescent Health and Development (AHD) program, which focuses on preventing early and repeated pregnancies. By working hand-in-hand with families, schools, churches, and communities, the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) supplies young people with access to essential services and guidance, equipping them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.

Furthermore, under Executive Order 141, the National Youth Commission (NYC) organizes forums for ongoing dialogue between young people and policymakers, helping shape policies and programs. This, of course, includes efforts to reduce teenage pregnancies.

The journey of parenthood is profound and transformative. Every child deserves to be born into circumstances where they are nurtured, loved, and provided for. By guaranteeing that individuals embark on this journey only when they are fully prepared, we not only honor the sanctity of life but also pave the way for a healthier, more prosperous society.

As a community, it's our collective responsibility to guide the youth. Through education, open communication, and genuine care, we can empower them to build brighter futures. Let us stand in solidarity, not in judgment, to address the root causes of teenage pregnancies and to uplift every young individual toward a path of opportunity.

In the Bagong Pilipinas we envision, no young person is left behind. Together, we can break the cycle, create lasting change, and show every youth that no matter their circumstances, there is hope!