The urgent call of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the empowerment of adolescent mothers and prevention of teenage pregnancy was discussed during the Coffee Table Discussion and Advocacy Forum of its Project ProtecTEEN in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on June 6 (Tuesday).

The Advocacy Forum held at Bukidnon National High School (BNHS) was aimed at increasing the awareness of secondary-level students on the implications of teenage pregnancies and teaching them to help in preventing the further increase of adolescent pregnancy cases in the region.

More than 80 high school student-leaders, educators and staff from the Malaybalay City local government unit (LGU) and ProtecTEEN beneficiaries were briefed on sexually healthy and personally empowered adolescents or SHAPE by Ms. Fruitelyn Vicente, a representative from the Population and Development Section of the City Health Office.

Ms. Vicente’s talk focused on how to capacitate the student-leaders to become peer advocates.

Ms. Jelie Barceta, a staff of the DSWD’s Social Technology Bureau, discussed the overview of the ProtecTEEN project, a social welfare model of intervention of the DSWD that intends to create a supportive environment for adolescent mothers and their families.

Students of BNHS also created advocacy materials including TikTok videos, Facebook reels, short clips, slogans, and posters, among others.

In a separate Coffee Table Discussion held at the New People’s Hall in Malaybalay City Hall, the DSWD gained support from different local stakeholders and partners who committed to provide programs and services for adolescent parents in their localities.

Present during the discussion were representatives from the DSWD, the Philippine Business for Education (PBE), the Department of Education (DepEd) and the City Health Office.

Barangay chairpersons in Malaybalay City also took part in the commitment signing.

Through this activity, the DSWD strengthened the referral networks of the Project, ensuring that appropriate interventions are given to address the specific needs of teenage mothers and their families.

The forum and discussion were conducted as part of the pilot implementation of the project ProtecTEEN and to assist in the continued implementation of a child-friendly, gender-responsive and rights-based approach to teenage pregnancy at the local level. #