State of Adolescent Reproductive Health in Region 1 discussed in Kapihan sa DMMMSU
Posted on by Maricon C. Viduya

The state of adolescent reproductive health in Region 1 was discussed in Kapihan sa DMMMSU in an episode featuring programs of the Commission on Population and Development or POPCOM Region 1 office.

According to data collected by POPCOM, from 2013 to 2019, the trend in adolescent birth rate (annual number of births to females aged 15-19 years per 1,000 females) in Region 1 is increasing, which is not far from the national data. However in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, there was a decline in adolescent birth rate (10.54) since people were confined in their homes.

“Adolescent pregnancy (formerly called teenage pregnancy) remains a concern in the region which is why POPCOM advocates that adolescents should refrain from engaging in sexual activities”, said Ma. Kristina Martinez, Adolescent Health and Development Focal Person and Head of Information Management and Communication Unit of POPCOM Region 1.  

Ms. Wilma Ulpindo, Assistant Regional Director designate of POPCOM Region 1, (second from right) demonstrates the use of various contraceptive methods that couples and individuals could choose from to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

POPCOM aims to decrease the number of cases of adolescent pregnancy by 50 percent and to reduce or prevent ‘repeat pregnancy’ among minors as this has been prevalent among them.

“Many of our youth today are sexually active and we should not dismiss their risky sexual behaviour because these are predictors of early sexual initiation and adolescent pregnancy. This is why POPCOM gives them options to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and AIDS through information campaign and services about the use of contraceptives, natural family planning methods, including abstinence,” she added. 

Martinez said that what is alarming is that sexually transmitted infections and AIDS are reported to occur among adolescents, specifically those in the 15 to 24 years old age group.   Aside from providing them with information, POPCOM also helps develop life skills of adolescents in order for them to have responsible sexuality.

Amid the pandemic, POPCOM started an online talk show called “Beshytaktakan” aired over Facebook Live as a platform for the agency and its partners, including youth groups to disseminate information about their programs and projects to adolescents. They also conduct film showing in various schools every month to engage students to discuss issues regarding reproductive health.

Moreover, POPCOM is active in establishing teen centers with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Federation of the City of San Fernando, La Union where they have put up 34 SK Teen Centers in the city.  Students can visit the teen centers and avail themselves of free services such as free WIFI and drop off their modules there for their teachers to pick up.

Aside from its Adolescent Reproductive Health programs, POPCOM also advocates responsible parenthood and family planning among married couples and individuals by helping them to achieve their fertility goals (the desired number of children). This is done through their advocacy programs, information dissemination, and provision of family planning services. 

Wilma Ulpindo, the Assistant Regional Director designate of POPCOM Region 1, said that responsible parenthood is a shared responsibility between a husband and a wife, and refers to their willingness and ability to provide the needs of their children and family.  Through effective family planning, couples can be empowered to provide a better quality of life for their children by planning the number of children they want to have, when to have children, and to be prepared physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially.  POPOCOM recommends having two to three children with a spacing of three to five years in between pregnancy as the ideal number to ensure that the family’s needs are met.

Part of responsible parenthood, Ulpindo added, is effective parenting where parents are able to establish open communication with their children so that they could effectively guide their children to make responsible choices. “Make friends with your children and avoid being too strict with them,” she said.

For more information about POPCOM Region 1’s programs and services, visit their Facebook page at Commission on Population and Development Region 1 or call them at 0912 525 3463 and 0995 739 5142. (Ces Mabalot)