Leyte, Philippines – On April 18, 2024, the Carigara Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Promotion was held at the Eastern Visayas State University – Carigara Campus (EVSU-CC) mini gymnasium. Spearheaded by Global Care Philippines and KOICA, the event brought together key stakeholders to confront the urgent issue of teenage pregnancy and reproductive health among Filipino youth.
The forum was graced by a distinguished roster of advocates and experts, including Ma’am Lydia Sagong, Branch Manager of Global Care Philippines; Atty. Wenceslao Narido, Municipal Administrator of Carigara; Dr. Mary Grace Tan Uy, Vice President of the Philippine Pediatric Society and National Chair Advocate against Teenage Pregnancy; Coach Marife F. Garfin, Certified Life and Mental Health Coach from Life Coach Philippines, EV; and Mr. Clark Windell D. Averila, Nurse III from the Provincial Health Office.
Also present were Mr. Marvin Allen G. Guyjoco and Roxanne E. Marson, RN, MAN, representing DOH EV–CHD; Ma. Bella V. Profetana, Municipal Health Officer; and Daniel N. Ariaso Jr., SK Federation President. The event was facilitated by dedicated Global Care staff including Mae Joy T. Dael, Seson Ymas, Nicola Bella Bucatcat, Kang Yejin, and Ralph Siose, who served as Project Officers and Coordinators.
The forum addressed alarming statistics:
• 1 in 10 live births in the Philippines is to mothers aged 10–19 years old
• 1 in 5 mothers aged 15–24 dies due to pregnancy or childbirth complications
• Over 1.8 million girls aged 16–24 have dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy
• The Philippines ranks among the highest in teenage pregnancy rates in the ASEAN region
Through open dialogue, expert insights, and collaborative planning, the forum provided a platform for actionable strategies aimed at reducing teenage pregnancy, improving access to reproductive health services, and empowering adolescents to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures.
This article is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good health and well-being; SDG 10: Reduced inequality; SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals.
