In 2023, a study conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that 3,343 children were born to young mothers aged 10 to 14 years. The study "Research on the Reproductive Health and Sexuality of Youth" also noted an increase in the number of children born to mothers under 15 years old: in 2020, there were 2,113 registered cases, in 2021 - 2,320, and in 2022 - 3,135. These cases of underage pregnancies account for almost 60% of school dropouts among young girls, leading to a loss of potential measured in billions of dollars due to missed opportunities.
These young mothers, by 2025, will be aged 12 to 16 years. The PSA study further indicated that 44% of young Filipino girls and 39% of young Filipino boys turn to social networks as their primary source of information on sex, instead of consulting their parents for advice. Unfortunately, they often share the information they receive with friends, spreading it "word for word."
At a press conference organized by the Child Rights Network (CRN) and other child rights advocates, including Au Quilala, the assistant executive director of the Philippine Coalition of Children’s Advocates, highlighted the importance of supporting rights among specific specialists to ensure that youth receive accurate information. Quilala also emphasized the significance of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), stating that it provides young people with a safe space to discuss their sexuality.
CRN continues to call on the President and senators to truly review the 1979 Senate Bill, expressing concerns after seven senators withdrew their signatures from the proposed bill.
