Apayao PHO initiates responsible parenthood program to address rising number of teen mothers

Pudtol, Apayao - With the rising number of young parents in the province, the Provincial Health Office -Apayao initiated a two-day Parent-Teen Talk program on Oct. 11 - 12, 2023 in Pudtol, Apayao.

This initiative aims to address the high teenage pregnancy rates in Apayao.

In said event, 45 teen mothers were engaged in various discussions on family planning, breastfeeding, contraception, and responsible parenthood.

They also received family food packs from the Commission on Population and Development - Cordillera.

As mentioned by the Apayao Provincial Public Information Office, Population Officer Joyce Sabadao, during the activity, underscored the importance of the program stating that Apayao PHO will be implementing various interventions to reduce the high numbers of adolescent mothers in the province.

"We are actually number one in the Cordillera Administrative Region in terms of adolescent pregnancy. We are committed to implementing various interventions to reduce these cases,” she said.

She then acknowledged the challenges faced by the participating young mothers and stressed the importance of equipping them with the necessary parenting skills.

"Dapat naglalaro pa kayo ngayon, nag-aaral, ineenjoy ang pagiging bata, but you have to face it, parents na kayo. Para kanyayu daytoy nga programa. Tulungan dakayo nga maaddaan iti necessary skills nu kasano iti agbalin nga responsible parent," she added.

Meanwhile, CPD-Cordillera reported that the region ranked 7th nationwide in terms of teenage pregnancy in 2022 with a 6.1 percent rate. This is higher compared to 3.5 percent in 2017.

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