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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ending child marriage: Philippines launches 2025–2028 Action Plan

Ending child marriage: Philippines launches 2025–2028 Action Plan

DSWD, UN agencies, and civil society join forces to stop child marriage, strengthen child protection, and empower communities

Published Dec 12, 2025 12:24 pm  |  Updated Dec 12, 2025 01:20 pm
BREAKING A CYCLE: Philippine officials and child protection advocates unite to launch the National Action Plan to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriages and Unions (2025–2028). From left, DSWD Undersecretary Eduardo Punay, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Representative of DSWD-Cordillera Administrative Region Jerry Julian. (Photo by UNFPA / Kisha Beringuela)
BREAKING A CYCLE: Philippine officials and child protection advocates unite to launch the National Action Plan to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriages and Unions (2025–2028). From left, DSWD Undersecretary Eduardo Punay, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian, and Representative of DSWD-Cordillera Administrative Region Jerry Julian. (Photo by UNFPA / Kisha Beringuela)
The Philippines has taken a decisive step to protect vulnerable children with the launch of the National Action Plan to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriages and Unions (2025–2028) on Friday, December 12.
The plan aims to strengthen prevention, protection, and support systems, ensuring that every child can grow up free from harmful practices that limit their potential.
The action plan was developed by the Government of the Philippines in collaboration with the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), UNFPA, UNICEF, and civil society partner Philippine Legislators' Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD).
The unveiling ceremony brought together national and local leaders, development partners, and youth advocates, highlighting the importance of collective action against child marriage.
Coordinated action to protect children
The plan outlines a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach, focusing on preventing child marriage, strengthening child protection systems, and addressing social norms that perpetuate the practice.
Children and adolescents were actively involved in shaping priorities, ensuring that youth voices guide policies and programs promoting empowerment and gender equality.
"Today is proof that when everyone works as one, we can break a cycle,” said DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian. “Kaya nating itigil ang child, early, and forced marriage and unions (We can stop child, early, and forced marriages and unions),” he added. 
The Philippines launches a multiyear national action plan to end child marriage. (Photo by UNFPA / Kisha Beringuela)
The Philippines launches a multiyear national action plan to end child marriage. (Photo by UNFPA / Kisha Beringuela)
He noted that as the lead implementer of Republic Act 11596, also known as An Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties for Violations Thereof, the DSWD is committed to continue protecting vulnerable children and supporting those who were forced into child marriages or unions.
"Patuloy kaming magpapalakas ng mga patakaran, magtuturo sa ating frontliners, at magbibigay ng gabay sa lahat ng katuwang natin (We will continue to strengthen our policies, train our frontliners, and provide guidance to all our partners),” he added.
Meanwhile, CWC Executive Director Angelo Tapales explained that the plan strengthens the Philippines’ commitment to ending child, early, and forced marriages and unions through a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.
"By transforming harmful social norms, enhancing social services, and empowering communities to take proactive action, it aims to effectively prevent and respond to the adverse effects of early marriage and union on our children,” he said.
UN support and community engagement
UNFPA and UNICEF have been instrumental in supporting local governments to strengthen service delivery, referral mechanisms, and child protection systems.
UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Neus Bernabeu emphasized that this action plan is a lifeline, bridging the law and the lived realities of vulnerable children.
"We are committed to working closely with the government to move beyond prohibition by strengthening health and protection systems that support girls, and by engaging directly with communities to shift the social norms that perpetuate this violence,” Bernabeu said.
"When we champion reproductive health education and ensure functional referral pathways, we are not just delivering services; we are safeguarding a girl’s future. A future defined by her potential, not by a forced union. We must build a Philippines where every girl is empowered to choose her own path," she added.
Ending child marriage is closely linked to preventing early pregnancy, keeping girls in school, and reducing violence. Strong local systems and community engagement are critical to empowering children to make informed choices.
Local governments in Brooke’s Point, Catbalogan City, and Socorro signed a memorandum of agreement to adopt a systems approach in preventing and responding to child marriage, with UNICEF providing technical support.
"We want to make real change to end child marriage. We can do this by building strong child protection systems, transforming limiting social norms, and ensuring every community has the resources to support and empower children,” said UNICEF Philippines Representative Kyungsun Kim.
"UNICEF is proud to work alongside government, local partners, and civil society in developing the action plan and strengthening child protection systems so that children don’t have their dreams cut short, and they grow up in safe communities where they can reach their full potential," Kim added.
The role of civil society
Civil society groups like PLCPD stressed the importance of sustained policy advocacy and community mobilization.
PLCPD Executive Director Aurora Quilala noted that laws like RA 11596 have the power to change children’s lives, but only if they are fully implemented.
"Laws have the power to change the lives of children in the Philippines. This can happen if landmark laws, such as RA 11596, are fully and meaningfully implemented to protect children from the negative impacts of child marriage and contribute to fulfilling their full potential,” she said.
"The action plan is a significant platform towards this end," she added.
The 2025–2028 National Action Plan marks a critical step for the Philippines toward ending child, early, and forced marriages, ensuring safer futures and empowered communities across the nation.

Related Tags

Philippines National Action Plan to End Child Marriage child marriage in the Philippines end child early and forced marriages DSWD child protection UNFPA and UNICEF child protection programs
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