The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) has observed a gradual increase in the number of girls aged 10 to 14 years who are getting pregnant in Western Visayas.
Based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6), the number of live births among girls between the ages of 10 and 14 almost doubled from 58 in 2020 to 111 in 2024.
The increase was attributed mainly to a lack of information about sexual and reproductive health, and limited access to birth control services.
To address the rising pregnancies among minors in the region, CPD-6 Regional Director Harold Marshall, in a press conference on Thursday, July 30, said they will shift their campaign to the 10-14 age group from the 15-19 age bracket.
“Now we are shifting efforts. We need to come up with a more comprehensive approach, a customized strategy that fits their age group,” he told reporters.IMT
