June 05, 2025
The Commission on Population and Development (CPD) is calling for urgent action to strengthen sexual and reproductive health education, as cases of HIV infections and adolescent pregnancies among Filipino youth continue to rise at an alarming rate.
In a recent statement, CPD joined the Department of Health in highlighting the gaps in access to reproductive health education, particularly in information about safe sex, HIV prevention, and contraceptive use.
CPD Executive Director Undersecretary Lisa Grace Bersales warned that the lack of proper education could severely impact the well-being of young Filipinos. Recent data revealed that 56 new HIV cases are diagnosed daily among youth aged 15 to 24, reflecting a 500% increase. The youngest recorded case involves a 12-year-old from Palawan.
At the same time, teen pregnancies among girls aged 10 to 14 have risen, with live births increasing from 2,411 in 2019 to 3,343 in 2023—a stark indication of growing vulnerability.
Reports from recent studies have shown that many Filipino youths lack reliable information about sexual health, often relying on misleading content from social media. Dangerous misconceptions persist, including the false belief that withdrawal before ejaculation reduces HIV risk.
To tackle this crisis, CPD is implementing action plans such as the Philippine Population and Development Plan of Action (2023-2028) and the Comprehensive Action Plan for the Prevention of Adolescent Pregnancy (2025-2028). The agency is also pushing for the swift passage of a national policy on Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention and stronger community involvement in reproductive health education.
Bersales emphasized the importance of investing in youth, stating that ensuring their protection and proper development is vital for a progressive society.
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