Mayor Greg Gasataya on Tuesday, Nov. 18, reiterated an urgent call to address adolescent health and well-being following alarming cases of teen pregnancy in Bacolod City, including a documented case involving a 12-year-old this year.
“We do believe this is very timely, this is very necessary, and these are urgent concerns that we have to look into. The city government is supporting all these endeavors 100 percent,” Gasataya said.
Through the City Nutrition Committee–Urban Basic Services Division (UBSD) headed by Lora Clarin, in partnership with Gawad Kalinga, the city government launched its first-ever Teen Summit Tuesday, gathering over 200 youth leaders, students, health advocates, and partner organizations to intensify Bacolod’s campaign for Zero Teenage Pregnancy.
Records from the City Population Office revealed that out of 200 documented cases of teen pregnancy, five involved minors aged 10 to 14 years old. The youngest is a 10-year-old girl from Barangay 7, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said.
Councilor Celia Flor, who chairs the Committee on Women, Gender, Family, and Childcare, emphasized the need for more realistic and practical educational programs to counter teenage pregnancies, including repeated cases.
“We have to start from education and awareness campaigns in schools, and even among out-of-school youth, to help them understand and raise their consciousness about their responsibilities and rights so they can make informed decisions in handling their reproductive health and sexuality,” Flor said.*