As the Philippines observes National Women's Month, a disturbing trend has emerged that threatens the nation's youngest citizens. Recent data reveals a sharp increase in adolescent pregnancies, with girls as young as 10 years old becoming mothers.
According to the Commission on Population and Development, births to girls aged 10 to 14 grew by 8.9% from 2023 to 2024. Among the 3,612 recorded cases last year, two involved mothers who were only 10 years old—one from Bicol and another from Western Visayas.
"When a child becomes a mother, something has gone terribly wrong," said CPD Executive Director Lisa Grace Bersales. "These are girls who should be in school, discovering their dreams, not raising children before they even understand adulthood."
The problem spans the entire country, with the highest concentrations in Calabarzon (474 cases), Central Luzon (445), Metro Manila (374), and Soccsksargen (302). However, these four regions account for less than half of all cases, indicating a nationwide crisis.
Experts point to multiple contributing factors, including inadequate sexual health education, cultural barriers, and persistent gender inequality. Conservative attitudes often clash with the need for comprehensive reproductive health information, while misogynistic views among some men and boys exacerbate the problem.
In response, the CPD is championing legislative solutions. The agency strongly supports the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill, which would establish comprehensive reproductive health education, expand youth-friendly health services, and create support networks for young parents.
Despite the bill's importance, it hasn't been designated as "urgent" by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., a decision advocates call a missed opportunity. Meanwhile, Pampanga Representative Mica Gonzales is pushing to create a special "Quinta Committee" that would unite five House committees to coordinate efforts against adolescent pregnancy.
As Bersales emphasized, "Preventing adolescent pregnancy is about protecting the future of young Filipinas, ensuring that they can become the leaders, professionals, and changemakers our nation needs."