National Priority on Preventing Teenage Pregcies

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority indicated 183,967 adolescent live births in 2018 and 180,916 in 2019, averaging about 500 live births per day among 10-19 years old.
Only 3% of these births were fathered by males of the same adolescent age group, highlighting power imbalances and possible coercion involving older men, as noted by UNFPA in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic potentially increases adolescent pregnancies due to increased time in dysfunctional homes and higher abuse risks.
Early childbearing leads to significant economic loss, estimated at PHP 33 billion in lifetime earnings according to a 2016 UNFPA study.
Adolescent pregnancies carry heightened health risks like anemia, STIs, and postpartum hemorrhage affecting both mother and child.

The Youth in Nation-Building Act (RA No. 8044) mandates the National Youth Commission (NYC) to lead youth policy formulation and development programs.
The Sangguniang Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 (RA No. 10742) requires Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to initiate youth welfare and empowerment programs.

Core issues causing teenage pregnancies include discriminatory social norms, normalization of violence against women and children, lack of information and education, and rural vulnerability.
A whole-of-government approach is essential for coordinating efforts to combat teenage pregnancy, in line with the PDP and PYDP objectives.

The government adopts prevention of adolescent pregnancies as a National Priority.
Mobilization of legal and coordination mechanisms will strengthen adolescent capacity for informed reproductive and sexual health decisions.

All government agencies must, consistent with their mandates and under the HDPR Cabinet Cluster coordination, implement interventions such as comprehensive sexuality education and health promotion.
Special focus on using digital platforms and reaching vulnerable adolescents in isolated or conflict-affected areas.
Agencies are tasked to monitor interventions at regional and local levels closely.

SKs must create programs targeting causes of adolescent pregnancies and support adolescent mothers.
These interventions must be incorporated into the Local Youth Development Plan and Annual Investment Program.
Objectives include youth education on sexual and reproductive health, supporting young mothers to remain in education, vocational training, outreach to dropouts, and ensuring functional Barangay Anti-Violence Against Women desks.
Support from government departments such as DSWD, DILG, DepEd, DOH, TESDA, NEDA, NYC, PCW, and POPCOM is mandated.

NYC shall establish a forum for ongoing dialogue between government and youth stakeholders to evaluate and plan youth-related policies and programs.

POPCOM is tasked with educating communities on evidence-based strategies to reduce adolescent pregnancy.
They will consolidate agency initiatives into a comprehensive action plan and report to the HDPR Cabinet Cluster.
They may request support from any government entity.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) must include adolescent pregnancy prevention initiatives in the National Expenditure Program and budget guidelines.
Program convergence budgeting is encouraged for harmonized interventions and investments.

The HDPR Cabinet Cluster oversees coordination, monitoring, and ensuring interventions align with international best practices and data.
Reports on implementation mechanisms and progress must be submitted to the Office of the President within 60 days and annually thereafter.

Implementation funding shall come from Gender and Development allocations and other sources as identified by DBM, subject to existing laws and appropriations.

If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions remain effective.

All inconsistent prior issuances, rules, and regulations are repealed, modified, or amended as appropriate.

The Order takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.