Adolescent pregnancies in the province of Antique have doubled in just three months, alarming health authorities and underscoring the urgent need to strengthen youth education and reproductive health programs across communities.
Latest data from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) revealed that from January to March 2025, Antique logged 240 cases of adolescent pregnancy. By the next quarter, from April to June, the figure surged to 498 cases — more than twice the number in the first quarter.
Records from the Office of the Population (OPPO) showed that six of the cases involved girls aged 10 to 14 years old — three from San Jose, and one each from Tobias Fornier, Hamtic, and Laua-an. Another 234 cases were among girls aged 15 to 19 years old.
At the municipal level, Caluya recorded the highest number with 83 cases, followed by Sibalom and San Remigio with 50 each, Hamtic with 41, and San Jose with 40.
Other towns also posted notable figures: Pandan (28), Tibiao (27), Culasi (27), Tobias Fornier (22), Patnongon (22), Laua-an (21), Anini-y (19), Sebaste (18), Bugasong (16), Valderrama (16), Libertad (7), Belison (6), and Barbaza (5).
The PHO said the 498 total cases represent the first semester total for 2025, covering January to June, but noted that a detailed age breakdown for the second quarter is still being finalized.
In 2024, Antique documented 963 adolescent pregnancies, with 935 cases involving girls aged 15 to 19 and 28 cases from the 10 to 14 age group.
Health officials said the spike is “a wake-up call” for all stakeholders to step up reproductive health education and support systems for young people.
They urged stronger community involvement, better access to health services, and continuous awareness campaigns, especially in remote areas where information and resources remain scarce.
Authorities added that tackling adolescent pregnancy requires “shared responsibility” among families, schools, and local governments to guide the youth toward informed and responsible decisions about their health and future.IMT
