In its efforts to strengthen advocacy and partnership with stakeholders to address the problem of teenage pregnancy in the country, the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC), an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), hosted a Policy Forum on Child and Adolescent Pregnancy on April 11, 2014 at Crowne Plaza Galleria Hotel, Pasig City.

The event was highlighted by the presentation of the Study on Child and Adolescent Pregnancy by Dr. Emma Alesna-Llanto of Kalusugan ng Mag-ina, Inc., a partner non-government organization (NGO) of CWC.  Other resource speakers include Department of Health Undersecretary Janette L. Garin, Department of Education Undersecretary Alberto Muyot, Dr. Ma. Lourdes A. Carandang of the Psychological Services for Well-being, Kaisahang Buhay Foundation, Inc. Executive Director Rosario dela Rosa, May Fabros of Woman Health Philippines and Jonalyn Bren of National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC)-Children Basic Sector.

 DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman said that teen pregnancy is an issue that girl-children continue to contend with.

“Despite the advocacy efforts in the past, data still shows an increasing rate of teenage pregnancy. All sectors, therefore, need to work harder to address this problem,” Sec. Soliman stated.

Sec. Soliman added that it is important to hear from the experts and child group advocates their recent studies, perspectives, and recommendations on how we can solve the problem on child and adolescent pregnancy in the country.

The policy forum which is part of this year’s celebration of the Girl-Child Week pursuant to Proclamation No. 759 issued in 2006, was participated in by policy makers, representatives of government and non-government agencies, academe and local government units. ###