The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) Region III reported that adolescent pregnancies in Central Luzon decreased by 21.3 percent between 2020 and 2024. However, the agency highlighted a sharp increase in cases among younger teenagers aged 10 to 14.
Overall Decline Exceeds National Average
Data from the CPD showed that births among adolescents aged 10 to 19 dropped from 18,722 in 2020 to 14,729 in 2024. This decline of 21.3 percent surpassed the national average of 11.7 percent over the same period. Despite this progress, Central Luzon remains the second region in the Philippines with the highest number of adolescent births.
Alarming Rise in Younger Age Group
The CPD recorded a significant increase in pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 14, with cases rising from 270 in 2020 to 445 in 2024 — a 64.8 percent jump. The region also ranked second nationwide for this age group. The agency noted that this trend signals deeper concerns, including gaps in child protection systems and exposure to abuse.
Factors Behind the Decline
The CPD Region III attributed the overall decline to the implementation of adolescent health and development programs under the Regional Population and Development Plan of Action (2023–2028). These initiatives include expanded reproductive health education and youth-focused services.
Call for Intensified Interventions
The CPD regional office called for intensified interventions targeting younger adolescents. It urged stronger child protection mechanisms, wider access to age-appropriate sexuality education, improved adolescent-friendly health services, and closer coordination among local governments and community groups.
The CPD Region III emphasized that addressing adolescent pregnancy remains a priority due to its impact on health, education, and long-term development.
