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BILYONARYO NEWS CHANNEL | BNC.PH April 10, 2026 Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, Vice President of The Forum for Family Planning and Development By BNC staff The Philippines is on the brink of becoming an aging society by 2027 as its fertility rate fell to historic lows, a demographic shift that experts warned could strain the country’s healthcare, the workforce, and social protection systems. Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, former executive director of the Commission on Population and Development, on Friday said that the transition reflected both long-term demographic trends and economic pressures shaping Filipino families. “The UP Population Institute is pretty sure we will become an aging society next year,” Perez said in an interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s “The Spokes” program. He explained that a country is considered an aging society when at least 10 percent of its population was aged 60 and above, a threshold the Philippines was expected to reach in 2027. “It’s in the early period, but it begins in 2027 because we will hit 10 percent next year. Of the 10 percent who are 60, 7.5 percent are over 65,” he said, adding that this figure could rise to around 15 percent by 2035, with a larger elderly population and fewer young children. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that the country’s total fertility rate has dropped to 1.7 children per woman from 4.1 in 1993, falling below the 2.1 replacement level. Perez said the decline has been driven by delayed marriage, improved access to family planning and rising costs of raising children. While the population was still growing by around 800,000 to one million annually, its composition was shifting toward fewer young children and more elderly dependents. Perez warned that this trend could put pressure on public services, particularly healthcare and pensions. “Population is still growing. But in terms of dependency, the number of older people who depend on the working population and children who depend on them…That’s a problem in terms of health financing,” he said. The Philippine Health Insurance Corp. was already allocating about 30 percent of its resources to older patients, a share expected to rise as the population ages. Perez also flagged limited social security coverage, noting that many Filipinos remained outside formal pension systems. The demographic shift comes as the government continued its efforts to improve income, education and health services, raising concerns that it could “grow old before becoming rich.” “We have to really think about what this demographic dividend is offering us because we are on the brink of growing old before we become rich as a country. So what we want to do is become rich before we start aging,” he said. Perez said the current demographic window still offered an opportunity for policymakers to invest in human capital, including boosting women’s participation in the workforce, before the full effects of aging take hold. Original article: https://bnc.bilyonaryo.com/ph-to-become-aging-society-by-2027-due-to-low-fertility/news/

March 6, 2026, Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines – Disasters are part of everyday life in the Philippines. Typhoons, floods, landslides, fires, and heatwaves challenge communities year after year. At the Philippine Population Association, Inc. International Scientific Conference 2026 at Xavier University on March 5 and 6, a key insight emerged. Climate risk is not just an environmental issue. It is a continuing development challenge shaped by population trends and persistent social inequalities. The conference, themed “Intersection: Population, Environment, and Climate Resilience in the Philippines,”  brought together researchers, policymakers, youth leaders, and civil society advocates. Presentations highlighted how disasters, inequality, and population vulnerabilities collide, creating compounded effects that deepen harm. The message was clear. Addressing these challenges requires people-centered development that is inclusive, just, and grounded in real-life experiences. Population Matters: Understanding Vulnerability Population is more than a statistic. It shows who is most affected by disasters and why. Vulnerable groups, including marginalized populations, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, indigenous people, and low-income households, face the greatest risks. Research at the conference showed how structural inequalities amplify these vulnerabilities. My study on Bakla communities in Tondo revealed how social stigma, limited access to resources, and economic marginalization intersect with disaster risk. These populations are disproportionately affected by typhoons, floods, and fires. The collision of population, climate, and social systems shows that climate action is not neutral. Policies that ignore diverse experiences risk reinforcing inequalities, making intersectionality essential in research and development strategies. Redefining Resilience Through Development Justice Resilience in the Philippines is often romanticized as simply bouncing back after disasters. The conference highlighted the limits of this view. Framing resilience as endurance alone places the burden on already marginalized communities and ignores systemic issues. It also reinforces taken-for-granted realities that leave people dependent and powerless. True resilience means creating conditions where communities are protected, empowered, and prepared before disasters strike. It goes beyond surviving shocks to address everyday challenges such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion so that vulnerability does not deepen. Framed through development justice, resilience is a rights-based, people-centered approach that confronts structural inequalities, empowers marginalized populations, and ensures recovery and preparedness are inclusive. Resilience is not an individual virtue. It is a societal and institutional responsibility. Climate Action Is Not Gender Neutral and Not a Great Equalizer The conference emphasized that climate and population risks are not gender neutral and disasters do not affect everyone equally. Vulnerability is shaped by identity, socioeconomic status, and social exclusion. Women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other marginalized groups face unique barriers to safety, protection, and recovery. Disasters interact with social inequalities to create compounded risks. Bakla individuals, for example, often experience exclusion in evacuation centers, limited access to relief, and heightened exposure to violence. Climate risks are not a great equalizer. Ignoring these inequities risks reinforcing the very inequalities that climate action should address. People-centered development ensures that the experiences of the most vulnerable guide planning, decision-making, and implementation. Localization and Community-Centered Solutions Effective climate action must consider local knowledge and cultural context. One-size-fits-all policies cannot address the Philippines’ diverse regions and populations. Localized, community-driven solutions ensure interventions reflect lived experiences, harness local capacities, and shift power toward those affected. Presentations from Mindanao showed how culturally responsive, community-led initiatives create sustainable solutions that are inclusive and equitable. People-centered climate action is participatory, engaging communities as active partners rather than passive recipients. Localization embodies development justice by addressing inequalities and empowering communities to lead their own resilience. From Intersection to Justice: People-Centered Development as the Path Forward Population, climate, and inequality do not operate separately. Their intersections create complex challenges that cannot be solved by isolated policies or technical fixes. Evidence-based research must guide integrated actions that reduce vulnerability, empower communities, and prioritize the rights of those most affected. Development justice ensures interventions transform the conditions that create risk rather than reproducing systemic inequalities. The conference made it clear that survival alone is not enough. True climate action and development must start with people, consider population dynamics, and confront social inequities. Marginalized communities should not be left to endure repeated crises. Intersectionality is not a theoretical concept. It is a practical framework for addressing real-world complexities. The future of climate action in the Philippines lies in people-centered development. Success is not measured by how much people can endure but by how much systemic inequalities are dismantled, rights are protected, and communities are empowered to thrive before disaster strikes. When population, climate, and inequality collide, justice is the only path to true resilience. It is time for leaders, policymakers, and communities to act together and make justice the foundation of every climate and development solution.

March 4-6, 2026 - Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines – At first glance, population research often looks like a world of numbers – tables, graphs, migration rates, and demographic trends. But over three days at the Philippine Population Association International Scientific Conference (PPAISC) in Cagayan de Oro City, I was reminded that behind every statistic is a story waiting to be heard. During a presentation during the 2026 Philippine Population Association International Scientific Conference (PPAISC) Stories of people who leave home to work abroad and try to build a life again when they return. Stories of families adjusting to long separations across oceans. Stories of communities rebuilding after disasters, and of voices that are too often left unheard in policy conversations. Listening to these stories – told through research, data, and lived experiences – became the most meaningful part of the conference for me. As a graduate student currently working on a thesis about the sustainability of return migration among overseas Filipino workers, I naturally gravitated toward sessions on mobility and migration. Yet what struck me most was how the studies went beyond the typical narratives of migration as simply an economic choice. One presentation explored the reintegration of circular labor migrant returnees, emphasizing that coming home is rarely a single moment. Reintegration, the study argued, is an ongoing process shaped not only by migrants’ personal efforts but also by the institutions meant to support them. While reintegration programs exist, gaps in implementation, such as bureaucratic inefficiencies and limited resources, often prevent them from reaching those who need them most. The discussion revealed a difficult reality: returning home can be just as complex as leaving. Other studies expanded this view by examining how migration decisions are shaped by culture, family, and social context. Research on migration among Muslims in the Philippines showed how religious norms, gender roles, and household dynamics influence the decision to move. Another study on Filipino seafarers revealed how global labor mobility reshapes family life, as households reorganize roles and responsibilities during long periods of separation. In these discussions, migration was no longer just about workers crossing borders; it was about families negotiating distance, uncertainty, and hope. Mobility also appeared in unexpected ways in discussions about environmental change and disasters. Several presentations explored how adaptation strategies, such as flood-control infrastructure and relocation programs, can sometimes produce unintended social consequences. The conference also opened space for conversations about gender and sexuality, reminding participants that population issues are deeply intertwined with identity and inequality. One study examined how stronger implementation of Gender and Development (GAD) programs can improve workplace inclusion for gender and sexual minorities. Another presentation shared the experiences of bakla individuals during disasters in temporary housing communities in Manila. Their stories challenged the notion that disasters affect everyone equally. Instead, they revealed how gender identity, social position, and access to resources shape vulnerability and recovery. As someone who has many friends within the LGBTQ+ community, listening to these narratives allowed me to appreciate their lived experiences more deeply and strengthened my respect for the advocacy within this inspiring community.

On any morning in the city, a woman steps into the world carrying more than her bag or her plans. She carries instincts sharpened over time, shaped by stories whispered across kitchen tables and warnings repeated by those who love her: “Mag-ingat ka. Don’t walk alone. Avoid dark streets.” These reminders, offered with care but rooted in fear, reveal a truth many have grown accustomed to navigating. Across the Philippines, as in so many places, women move through spaces that promise opportunity yet still demand vigilance. As the country marks the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, we are challenged to look at our shared spaces, streets, transport terminals, markets, workplaces, and even digital platforms, and ask the question too often avoided: "Are women truly safe here?" Women Walking Our Streets Imagine a woman walking home at dusk, adjusting the strap of her bag, quickening her steps as she senses attention she did not invite. Now picture a nurse in her white uniform, hurrying toward the hospital for a graveyard shift, her pace steady but her guard raised as she navigates dimly lit streets before midnight. Or think of our “ma’am” or “miss”, the teacher we rely on to guide our children, rushing home after an exhausting overtime spent checking papers, eager to return to her family yet forced to walk briskly, keys in hand, scanning every movement around her. Though their stories unfold in different corners of the city, the feeling is the same: a tightening in the chest, a practiced awareness, an ever-present calculation of risk. The sidewalks are lit, people pass by, and life goes on, yet women like them feel their pulse rise because they know what could happen in a single moment. An unsolicited remark. A lingering stare. A hand that brushes too close. None of these women share the same profession or routine, but they share the same silent vigilance. These experiences, echoed by friends and strangers, show a truth that statistics alone cannot fully capture: the fear women learn to carry is not imagined, it is earned from lived patterns repeated across cities, towns, and barangays. The Ride Home Feels Like a Battlefield Public transportation, meant to carry people safely to their destinations, too often becomes a space where women shrink themselves to avoid unwanted attention. Anyone who has ridden the MRT/LRT or a bus at rush hour knows how bodies press together. For women, this closeness can cross the line from uncomfortable to unsafe. Have you seen the trending posts on social media, men exposing themselves in jeeps, or others maliciously touching girls in a crowded MRT? A lingering hand. A body that inches closer. A whisper meant to intimidate. Women and girls endure these moments silently, eyes fixed on the next stop, waiting for relief. The ride home should never feel like a battlefield. Women should be able to stand in a crowded vehicle without guarding every inch of their space. Public Spaces, Hidden Threats Inside markets and malls, women weave through crowds carrying groceries, bags, and daily responsibilities, yet even these familiar spaces are not free from risk. A stare that lingers too long. A comment tossed casually. A touch disguised as an accident. I recall standing next to a mall security guard when a woman in her 30s passed by, and to my shock, I overheard him muttering to himself, “If I can only touch those huge behinds.”  I felt immediate disgust and spoke up, telling him that his thoughts and behavior were wrong, uncalled for, and indeed a violation of the Safe Spaces Act. These experiences, often dismissed or ignored, happen far more frequently than most realize, and for countless women, they are impossible to forget. Public spaces should bring communities together, not force women to constantly calculate whether simply being present will put them at risk. A Call to Uphold the Safe Spaces Act In 2019, the Philippines enacted the Safe Spaces Act (RA 11313), a crucial law that finally named acts like catcalling, leering, stalking, flashing, and unwanted touching as punishable offenses. It put into law what women had long understood: harassment is not harmless; it is a violation of dignity. But a law without widespread knowledge or consistent enforcement remains limited. Communities must raise awareness, local governments must uphold the rules, and the public must refuse to tolerate behavior that diminishes safety. Real progress happens not only through laws but through cultural shifts. Behind every statistic lies a life disrupted, a woman who avoided a street, who changed her commute, who stayed silent because she feared no one would believe her. These stories demand more than sympathy. They require participation. Violence against women is not woven into fate; society chooses whether to confront it or ignore it. Prevention happens when people speak up, support survivors, report violations, and insist on safer systems and norms. Action does not always require grand movements. Sometimes it begins with a bystander refusing to stay quiet. A friend accompanying someone to file a complaint. A barangay reinforcing its public safety measures. A transport operator reminding passengers of respectful conduct. Sometimes action looks like believing women the first time they speak. Sometimes it is choosing not to laugh at a sexist comment. Sometimes it is teaching boys and young men that respect is a non-negotiable part of being human. The hope is simple yet urgent: for women to move freely through this country without bracing themselves. To walk down a quiet street without gripping their keys. To ride a jeepney without shrinking their bodies. To shop in a market without calculating possible risks. To exist - online or offline - with a sense of ease. As we observe the 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, let us remember that safety is more than the absence of danger; it is the presence of respect. It is the confidence to move, speak, and live without fear. This is the cultural shift our generation can champion if we commit to it. Every woman deserves safety in every space, and building that reality is a responsibility shared by all.

The Forum for Family Planning joins the global observance of World Contraception Day 2025  Manila, Philippines — September 26, 2025. Every year on September 26, the world comes together to commemorate World Contraception Day (WCD), a global campaign that seeks to raise awareness about contraception and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health, while building their futures. For the past years, The Forum for Family Planning and Development, in partnership with the Commission on Population and Development, BAYER Philippines, and UNFPA, has joined efforts to break barriers and close gaps in access to contraception and family planning in the country, calling for contraception for all as a pathway to building inclusive futures for the Philippines. A deepening crisis… The Philippines faces a deepening crisis in sexual and reproductive health, particularly among youth and adolescents. Between 2016 and 2020, an average of 5–7 girls aged 10–14 gave birth every day, with the youngest recorded mother in 2023 that is only 8 years old. Today, one in ten babies are born to an adolescent mother, and nearly 35% of HIV cases in the country occur among youth aged 15–24, yet only 15% know where to get tested, and fewer than one in five youth have comprehensive HIV knowledge. Despite the passage of the RPRH Law of 2012, many Filipinos, especially youth, remain excluded from family planning and contraception, and denied their SRHR. Misinformation, stigma, and weak policy implementation continue to deny people their right to access SRHR services.While the law affirms SRHR as a universal right, other marginalized groups such as LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous peoples are still left behind. Rural isolation, healthcare inequities, and persistent gender inequality deepen these gaps, making the Philippines one of the countries with the highest rates of adolescent pregnancy, HIV infection, and gender-based violence in Southeast Asia. … Barriers compounding the crisis The ongoing SRHR crisis in the country hits the young population the most. As they face multiple intersecting barriers to access their SRHR needs. Fear of side effects, stigma, and religious, cultural, and familial pressures discourage them from using contraception or seeking care. The lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive education further compounds the problem, leaving them with limited and inaccurate information that places them at risk. The advancement of technology and online platforms, instead of bridging these gaps, often heightens risks for young people by spreading misinformation rather than providing reliable guidance and information for them to have informed choices and self-care. At the systemic level, restrictive laws and the absence of youth-friendly, gender-affirming, and responsive services continue to leave behind the most vulnerable, particularly LGBTQIA+ communities, adolescents in rural areas, and those from marginalized families. “These barriers do not exist independently; they intersect and reinforce one another, trapping young people in cycles of misinformation, risk, and exclusion. This, in turn, deepens the country’s SRHR crisis, marked by rising adolescent pregnancies, increasing HIV cases, and persistent gender-based discrimination and violence,” says Dr. Corazon Raymundo, President of The FORUM for Family Planning and Development. Breaking the barriers, breaking the gaps… As we celebrate World Contraception Day 2025, The Forum for Family Planning and Development Inc., emphasizes that addressing the deepening SRHR crisis requires urgent solution and systemic change. To end the SRHR crisis affecting countless Filipinos, especially the youth, we emphasize the need to confront not only the health aspects but also the structural barriers that fuel inequality and restrict access to family planning and contraception. This requires focusing also on: Implement comprehensive SRHR education that is inclusive, age-appropriate, and culturally relevant, addressing the diverse needs of all youth, including LGBTQIA+, adolescents with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, out-of-school youth, and other marginalized groups. Promote equitable access to SRHR, family planning, and contraception with confidential, gender-affirming, adolescent-friendly services, and strengthen social protection for young mothers, LGBTQIA+ youth, and persons living with HIV. Challenge harmful norms and discrimination through advocacy, policy, awareness campaigns, community engagement, and intergenerational dialogue to promote gender equality. Enhance inclusive, disaggregated data collection across marginalized groups, improve multi-sectoral coordination, and use technology responsibly to provide accurate SRHR information and protect youth online. Advocate for enabling laws like the Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Bill and SOGIESC Equality Bill, and institutionalize youth and community participation to ensure inclusive, evidence-based, and responsive policies. Building inclusive futures This World Contraception Day 2025, The FORUM calls on policymakers, educators, health providers, civil society, and communities to take decisive action: invest in youth and community leadership, protect rights across all sectors to achieve SRHR for all and build inclusive futures. “Making sure that everyone is included means meeting people’s SRHR needs—it demands justice, equity, inclusivity, and a focus on overall well-being. Building an inclusive future requires acknowledging the meaningful participation, representation, and empowerment of people and communities,” Dr. Raymundo added. Development must be people-centered, and advancing youth rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, and the health of marginalized groups depends on their meaningful participation, representation, and empowerment. Breaking systemic barriers to SRHR is not just a public health issue and intervention: it demands justice, equity, and inclusivity. Together, let’s build a future where youth, LGBTQIA+ people, women, men, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and other marginalized groups are leaders and partners in shaping SRHR. Let’s empower everyone to make informed choices, free from stigma and discrimination, and create an inclusive, just, and sustainable society.

Kasabay ng matagumpay ng 3rd National Conference on Family Planning noong 20-21 Nobyembre 2024 na dinaluhan ng mahigit 600 participants sa buong Pilipinas na mula sa mga pambansang ahensya ng gobyerno, LGU, NGO, akademya, private sectors, atbp. ay ang matagumpay na pagpapa-abot ng pagtindig at boses ng mga kabataan mula sa naging synthesis ng 3rd NCFP youth conference. Tunghayan ang 3rd NCFP Youth conference synthesis na kung saan ay pinakatampok ang mga perspektibo, boses, at pagtindig ng mga kabataan sa pag-aabot ng isang mas komprehensibo, inklusibo, at maka-kabataang Family planning at SRHR policies at programs sa bansa. ___________________________________________ Mga bidyong kinolekta ng mga youth volunteers noong youth conference at bidyong nilikha nila James Emmanuel Naz-Manuel, youth volunteer noong youth conference, youth scholars ng 3rd NCFP, at isang nursing student sa BSU at ni Kahel Rebadolla na mula sa Forum for FP at kasama sa secretariat at organizing committee ng youth conference at ng 3rd NCFP.

Catriona Gray during the Signing of Commitment on Fast-Tract to Ending the Acquire Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Epidemic with the City Mayor, Lucilo Bayron, Dr. Louie Ocampo and other officials from other sectors. Photo credit Leila Dagot / PIA Binibining Pilipinas Universe Catriona Gray went to Puerto Princesa City to help strengthen the campaign against HIV through spreading awareness and education. In a press conference in Puerto Princesa City Hall on 17 September, Ms. Gray expressed her vehement support to HIV prevention in the city and the province. She said that it is important to get tested and be educated about HIV. She emphasized how awareness and education are a big factor towards HIV prevention. She stated that it is important to remove the barriers from stopping people getting tested as this is one of the way to prevent the spread of HIV. “Its really about removing the barriers on stopping the people from getting tested, in the first place. I think one of the core of that is education. We need to teach people what is AIDS and HIV. It’s not just for LGBT community, it can be for mother, children, men and women and it affects all of us and it starts by knowing how it can be contracted and getting people know that there is a medication available and its free pa,” she explained. She added that the stigma is one of the barriers in HIV, wherein, the Ms. Universe emphasized that HIV Testing should be included in general check up without any stigma attached. “As soon as we accept that and we think of that as a general check up lang, where you go to check your blood sugar, your heart pressure, your HIV Test, it should be a routine without any stigma attached. It should be just a general concern for your well being, and your partner, and your community,” the Ms. Universe further said. She also said that it is vital for people to know that everyone can be affected with HIV. She stressed that everyone can be prone to HIV and that there should be no labels on who is prone to HIV and not. “I think that’s one of the problem. We try to box in our minds, like, ‘it can’t be me who is prone to infection because I don’t live this certain lifestyle, i have a certain job, i go to school, i wasn't born in that kind of family.’ We keep on putting label to persons prone to HIV. It can be everyone and I think that’s the reality we need to face. Let’s not just keep on putting labels. It should be for every single person,” she said. Ms. Universe Catriona Gray also came to Palawan for the Signing of Commitment on Fast-Tract to Ending the Acquire Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Epidemic which is a program and an agreement between Puerto Princesa City Government and UNAIDS with its Director, Dr. Louie Ocampo. Original story can be found here:  https://palawandailynews.com/city-news/catriona-gray-vows-support-to-palawans-campaign-towards-hiv-aids-prevention/

September 19, 2017 - Legazpi City. The RH Provincial Advocacy Teams (PAT) of the Provinces of Ifugao and Benguet had their strategic planning workshop in Legazpi City Albay on 18-19 September 2017. Both provinces have their local RH ordinances. The strategic planning workshop were geared towards the local implementation of their local or provincial RH ordinances as well as sustaining national and local advocacy for RH. Ifugao and Benguet RH champions met with Albay's SP Board Member and Chairperson of Committee on Health The Benguet delegation was headed by Hon. Jim Botiwey, Provincial Board Member, also the Committee Chair on Health. While the Ifugao delegation was headed by the Provincial Health Officer Dr. Mary Josephine Dulawan. They were warmly welcomed by their counterpart in the Province of Albay headed by Hon. Howard Pem Imperial, Provincial Board Member, also the Committee Chair on Health. Benguet delegation, headed by Hon. Jim Botiwey Provinces of Albay, Ifugao and Benguet, including Palawan and Cebu, are project sites of the Sulong RH project supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, through a consortium of NGOs headed by The Forum for Family Planning and Development (The Forum). The consortium composed of The Forum, Health Action Information Network (HAIN), Filipino Freethinkers, and the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), the consortium member which organized the activity. Ifugao delegates headed by Provincial Health Officer and Provincial Social Welfare Officer

April 16, 2016 - Cebu City Mandated by Republic Act 10354 or the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law of 2012. Stated under its Section 14, the State shall provide an age- and development-appropriate reproductive health education for adolescents, which shall be taught by adequately trained teachers in the formal and non-formal educational system. The challenge now is, ensuring that teachers are ready to teach sexuality education and reproductive health to students. The Forum with the support of Family Planning 2020 (FP2020), and in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd) Cebu City Division, conducted a training for teachers in teaching reproductive health. It was attended by teachers of Nigh High Schools in Cebu City, who teaches health, values education, science and other related subjects. The discussions workshops were focused on teaching adolescent sexuality, reproductive health, sexually transmitted infection, HIV and AIDS, population and family planning methods, and RH related issues faced by young people. The training also served as a venue for teachers to discuss and share among peers their strategies on teaching sexuality education and reproductive health. The training ended with valuable sample lesson plans on discussing topics like changes during puberty and adolescence, prevention of STIs/HIV, effects of early sex and pregnancy, etc.

Legazpi City, Philippines – At the heart of the 2025 Philippine Population Association (PPA) International Scientific Conference, held at Bicol University, Legazpi City, last March 6–7, a powerful session titled “Comprehensive Sexuality Education and Adolescent Reproductive Health: Lessons from Data, Policy, and Ground-Level Efforts” brought together leading voices in health, policy, and community advocacy. The session laid bare the complexities and consequences of adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines, exposing policy and service delivery gaps while offering hope through grassroots innovations and data-driven solutions. (Left to Right) CPD Region V Director Joyce Dela Paz-Hilvano; Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III; Ms. Jaivin E. Balueta; Mr. Kevin de Vera; Mr. Enzo Miguel de Borja; PPA President Dr. Christian Joy Cruz A National Emergency: Adolescent Pregnancy and the Challenge of Policy Enforcement Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, The Forum Dr. Juan Antonio Perez III, former Executive Director of the Commission on Population and Development, opened the session with an unflinching review of the country's adolescent pregnancy crisis, particularly among girls aged 9 to 16. In 2023, an average of nine births per day were recorded among girls under 15, many of them victims of sexual abuse and statutory rape. Perez cited the Philippine Statistics Authority and Department of Health data to underscore the severity of this silent emergency. Despite legal advancements such as Republic Act 11648, which raised the age of sexual consent from 12 to 16, no single case was filed under the law in 2023, revealing the weak enforcement and deep-seated systemic failures. Perez called for stronger inter-agency coordination, accountability in local government units, and real investments in adolescent-friendly health services and comprehensive sexuality education (CSE). “We cannot legislate our way out of this crisis without action on the ground,” he said. Pasig City’s ARH Revolution: Data as a Catalyst for Change Enzo Miguel de Borja, Pasig City LGU Enzo Miguel De Borja, representing the Office of Councilor Corazon Raymundo, shared how Pasig City is building a localized model for adolescent reproductive health (ARH) governance using data as a foundation. In 2023, the Pasig POPDEV Team cleaned and consolidated data from the 2021 Community-Based Monitoring System to produce a dynamic ARH database. This became the basis for three legislative measures: Creation of the Pasig City Population and Development Office, Reestablishment of Public School and Community Teen Centers, and a comprehensive Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Ordinance. While two of the three measures faced resistance in the city council, De Borja emphasized that “data changed the conversation” and allowed civil society and policy champions to push forward a youth-centered, evidence-based agenda. Reaching the Margins: Night High Schools and CSE Innovation in Cebu Kevin de Vera, The Forum Kevin de Vera showcased an initiative tailored for a group often excluded from mainstream programs, students in Night High Schools (NHS) in the tri-cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue. These students, mostly working youth from economically disadvantaged families, miss out on school-based reproductive health education delivered during the day. In response, a multi-sectoral team launched an initiative to integrate CSE and Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health (ASRH) into the NHS system. Despite restrictions from DepEd orders limiting extracurricular activities, creative strategies like school-to-school CSE-ASRH caravans and weekend sessions were implemented. With 197 out of 200 students completing advanced training, and 166 DepEd officials signing a Manifesto of Support, the effort demonstrated that inclusion is possible when approached with flexibility and strong partnerships. Inside the Classroom: KAP on SRH Among Albay’s Senior High Girls Jaivin E. Balueta, Bicol University The session’s final paper returned the spotlight to Albay, the host region of the conference. Jaivin E. Balueta presented findings from a study on knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on reproductive health among 253 senior high school girls in Albay’s high-risk schools. While students showed high awareness of basic reproductive health concepts, critical misconceptions persisted, including limited understanding of same-sex attraction and fertility awareness. Most students relied on peers rather than health providers for information, and contraceptive use remained low. Cultural norms promoting abstinence were strong, but often left young people without strategies when abstinence failed. Balueta called for more comprehensive, inclusive CSE that incorporates emotional readiness, consent, and accessible services—beyond basic biology. Call to Action Across all four presentations, a shared urgency emerged: the need for coherent, inclusive, and youth-responsive approaches to adolescent reproductive health. From national policy gaps to the promise of local innovation, the session revealed the importance of strengthening the link between data, policy, education, and community action. Closing the session, panelists stressed that adolescents cannot wait for delayed reforms. “This is not just a health issue,” Dr. Perez reminded the audience. “It is a human rights and justice issue, and justice delayed is harm perpetuated.” From Legazpi City to Pasig and Cebu, the stories shared at the 2025 PPA International Scientific Conference chart a path forward, one where young people are informed, protected, and empowered through the shared efforts of policymakers, educators, researchers, and communities.

PRESS STATEMENT February 4, 2025 - Quezon City. The Forum calls for urgent action on adolescent pregnancy: Experts declare Comprehensive Sexuality Education a national priority    The Forum for Family Planning and Development, an NGO comprised of health, population, economics, and social development experts, raises urgent concerns about the growing spread of misleading information against Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). As a long-standing advocate for adolescent reproductive health, The Forum reaffirms its commitment to supporting key government agencies and legislative champions in upholding the rights of young Filipinos to life-saving, age- and development-appropriate CSE. On February 5, The Forum will join fellow CSE advocates and defenders in a mobilization in the Senate and urged for support in this activity.  PSA data shows that in 2023 one in every 10 pregnancies are from teenagers. It also showed an increasing rate of under-15-year-old girls becoming mothers over the past years. In 2023 alone 3,343 under 15 girls were reported to delivered their first child. “As a nation, we should be alarmed,” Kevin de Vera, director for programs and advocacy of The Forum said. “All teenage pregnancies are high risk; a teenager girl’s body is not physical ready for pregnancy. Teen pregnancy results to life threatening complications and poses to socioeconomic challenges to their families.” With the alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies, experts stress the need for immediate action: Dr. Ernesto Pernia, former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary and a trustee of The Forum, emphasized: "The alarming cases of teenage pregnancies are not just statistics—they represent a national social emergency. The economic and social costs of early pregnancies are profound, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for young women. Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) is not merely an academic subject but a necessary intervention to help Filipino families, through our professional and caring educators, equip our adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their reproductive health. Without urgent action, we risk compromising years of progress and the future of our young generation—and ultimately, the nation’s development." In 2019, then Socioeconomic Planning Secretary, Dr. Pernia declared teen pregnancy as a national social emergency, and supported the filing of a measure to address the issue. With the alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies, experts stress the need for immediate action. Former Department of Health Secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, also a trustee of The Forum, reaffirmed: "Adolescent pregnancy is a public health crisis that demands evidence-based solutions. We cannot ignore the reality that lack of proper education and access to reproductive health services leads to poor maternal health outcomes and lost opportunities for young women. School-based Comprehensive Sexuality Education is an essential, life-saving tool that empowers our youth to take charge of their future. A nation that invests in the well-being of its young people invests in a healthier, more prosperous society."

February 3, 2025 (OneNews) Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, Dr. Corazon Raymundo, and Dr. Ernesto Pernia (From left to right) The Forum for Family Planning and Development, a non-government organization comprised of health, population, economics, and social development experts, raised concerns about the growing spread of misleading information against Comprehensive Sexuality Education or CSE. As a long-standing advocate for adolescent reproductive health, The Forum reaffirmed in a statement issued on Tuesday, Feb. 4, its commitment to supporting key government agencies and legislative champions in upholding the rights of young Filipinos to life-saving, age- and development-appropriate CSE. On Feb. 5, The Forum will join fellow CSE advocates and defenders in a social mobilization, and urged for support in this activity. Data in 2023 from the Philippine Statistics Authority revealed that one in every 10 pregnancies occurred on teenagers. The data also showed an increasing rate of under-15-year-old girls becoming mothers over the past years. In 2023 alone 3,343 under-15 girls were reported to have delivered their first child. “As a nation, we should be alarmed,” Kevin de Vera, director for programs and advocacy of The Forum, said. “All teenage pregnancies are high risk; a teenage girl’s body is not physically ready for pregnancy. Teen pregnancy results in life-threatening complications and pose socioeconomic challenges to their families.” Dr. Ernesto Pernia, former Socioeconomic Planning secretary and a trustee of The Forum, said “the alarming cases of teenage pregnancies are not just statistics – they represent a national social emergency.” “The economic and social costs of early pregnancies are profound, perpetuating cycles of poverty and limiting opportunities for young women. CSE is not merely an academic subject but a necessary intervention to help Filipino families, through our professional and caring educators, equip our adolescents with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions about their reproductive health,” he added. The Forum stressed the need for immediate action with the alarming rise in adolescent pregnancies. “Without urgent action, we risk compromising years of progress and the future of our young generation – and ultimately, the nation’s development," Pernia noted. In 2019, Pernia declared teen pregnancy as a national social emergency, and supported the filing of a measure to address the issue. Former Department of Health secretary Dr. Jaime Galvez-Tan, also a trustee of The Forum, pointed out that a”dolescent pregnancy is a public health crisis that demands evidence-based solutions.” “We cannot ignore the reality that lack of proper education and access to reproductive health services leads to poor maternal health outcomes and lost opportunities for young women. School-based CSE is an essential, life-saving tool that empowers our youth to take charge of their future. A nation that invests in the well-being of its young people invests in a healthier, more prosperous society,” Galvez-Tan said. Social scientist Dr. Corazon Raymundo, president of The Forum and Pasig City Councilor, stated: "For decades, data has shown us the urgent need to address adolescent reproductive health. The challenges of early pregnancy, unprotected sexual activity, and lack of access to proper education continue to threaten the well-being of Filipino youth. CSE is not just about knowledge – it is about empowerment, health, and securing a better future for young people. If we fail to act decisively, we are failing an entire generation. The time for debate has passed; the time for action is now." The Forum calls on policymakers, educators, and communities to stand firm in ensuring that young people receive the education and support they need to make informed, responsible decisions about their reproductive health. Misleading narratives undermining these efforts must be challenged with facts, science, and a shared commitment to protecting the nation’s youth, it said. Read more: https://www.onenews.ph/articles/ngo-seeks-end-to-misleading-information-versus-sex-education-says-teenage-pregnancies-a-national-social-emergency